
~15? 



*m.c± THE 



CHARACTER AND CAREER 



OP 

FRANCIS ASBUET, 

BISHOP OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 



Illustrate hg gtammras jMectwns foam \\i |ouraal t 



ARRANGED IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER. 



BY REV. EDWIN Li JANES. 

COMPILER OF " WESLEY HIS OWN HISTORIAN." 






New Vork : 

CARLTON & LANAHAN. 

SAN FRANCISCO : E. THOMAS. 

CINCINNATI: HITCHCOCK & WALDEN. 

1872. 

p 



tK 






Entered according to A.c1 of Congress, in the year 1872, by 

CAKLTON & LAN A HAN, 

in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



1 >-^3fcfj 






PREFACE. 



7 



The historic feature of Asbury's Journal gives to it 
a value that cannot be overestimated both in regard 
to the personal character of this wonderful man, and 
the marvelous growth of Methodism under his labors 
and supervision. 

In perusing this work the reader will accom- 
pany Mr. Asbury from place to place, from State 
to State, from Conference to Conference — preaching, 
praying, exhorting, visiting the societies and classes, 
comforting the sick, burying the dead, holding Con- 
ferences, ordaining ministers, founding schools, raising 
funds, and inspiring the preachers in their self-sacri- 
ficing work by word and example. 

In accomplishing his difficult and diversified work 
this great evangelist will be seen constantly traveling, 
crossing rivers, fording streams, climbing mountains 
sleeping on the ground or cabin floor, eating by the 
wayside, or fasting for want of food. 

It will be seen that although performing Herculean 
labors, Asbury had to contend with imperfect health, 
and had frequent attacks of sickness — often resorting 
to severe remedies that he might the sooner resume 
his work. 



4 Preface. 

Asbury never allowed himself to be idle. If con- 
fined within doors he was always busy, writing up his 
Journal or correspondence, reading theology, teach- 
ing the children, preaching to the families, or pleading 
with God for success in his divine work. 

The selections in this volume will show that As- 
bury' s solicitude for the salvation of men was so 
intense, and his desire for the spread and triumph of 
Methodism so absorbing, that no obstacle could ar- 
rest his progress, no suffering could quench his fer- 
vor, no danger intimidate him, nor ease nor friendship 
detain him for an hour ; but with the spirit of his 
divine Master, and the zeal of an Apostle, he swept 
through the continent as if possessing the wings of an 
angel, bearing him with tireless energy and marvelous 
speed on his course. 

Extracts have been made illustrating the primitive 
simplicity, deep humility, and unfaltering fidelity of 
this man of God. 

Asbury does not conceal his hostility to American 
slavery, intemperance, and other public sins and 
follies of his times, but utters strong and sarcastic 
words against them. 

While in his heart he gave the most cordial wel- 
come to professors of every name in whom he could 
detect true piety, he was severe on the formalism 
and worldliness of Christians, and contributed large- 
ly to guard his beloved Methodism from such a 
spirit. 

The reader of this volume will not fail, we think, to 
reach the conclusion that Francis Asbury was an 



Preface, . 5 

earnest Christian, a successful evangelist, a wise coun- 
selor and administrator, and a model Bishop. 

In following Mr. Asbury over the continent it has 
been impracticable to notice every place favored with 
his presence and labors, but we have indicated every 
State, showing the frequency with which he visited 
each State in accomplishing his sublime work. 
Is In his annual or semi-annual journeys he visited 
Massachusetts twenty-three times after 1791, the 
date of his first visit, and during the forty-five years 
of his ministry in America he visited the State of 
New York fifty-six times, New Jersey sixty-two, 
Pennsylvania seventy-eight, Delaware thirty-three, 
Maryland eighty, North Carolina sixty-three, South 
Carolina forty-six, Virginia eighty-four, Tennessee 
and Georgia twenty times each, and other States or 
Territories with corresponding frequency. 

In his unparalleled itinerant career he preached 
about sixteen thousand five hundred sermons, or at 
least one a day, and traveled about two hundred and 
seventy thousand miles, or six thousand a year, pre- 
siding in no less than two hundred and twenty-four 
Annual Conferences, and ordaining more than four 
thousand preachers. 

In constructing this work we have made selections 
that recorded some sentiment or criticism, some inci- 
dent painful or pleasing, some scene of suffering or 
exposure, some signal preservation from danger, some 
temptation or triumph in Christian experience, some 
name or place illustrious in Methodism, or some vic- 
tory in the battle for truth fought by our great stand- 



6 Preface. 

ard-bearer and his co-laborers in founding Method- 
ism in the New World. And as one or more of these 
extracts have been taken from nearly every page of 
the Journal, and in chronological order, this volume 
may be said to be an abridgment of the Journal 

As there are thousands of aged Christians remain- 
ing in the Militant Church who feel that the name 
and labors of Asbury are invested with a peculiar 
interest, and as the present generation may find 
much in the volume to remind them of the spiritu- 
ality and simplicity of early Methodism, and of the 
labor and sacrifice it cost to establish it, we trust it 
will be read with grateful interest and profit. 

There may be found in these pages a few extracts 
not containing any incident or point of special inter- 
est. Such are introduced to preserve a record of the 
Bishop's visits to the several States or Territories, 
and the order in which he made them. 

The name of the State visited is usually in the 
heading of the extract. Whensoever omitted, the 
location is still to be understood to be in the State 
last indicated E. L. J. 



CONTENTS. 



Asbury's Motive for Keeping a 

Diary 23 

Asbury Offers to go to America. 23 

Supplied with Funds 24 

Sails for America 24 

Asbury's Keflections on Ship- 
board 25 

Asbury, How Employed 25 

Asbury's Trials on the Voyage. 26 

Lands in Philadelphia 26 

Asbury Preaches in Philadel- 
phia 27 

Visits Burlington and Staten 

Island 27 

Eeaches New York 28 

Is Fixed to the Methodist 

Plan 28 

Asbury's Trip to Westchester. . 29 

Asbury at New Eochelle 30 

Sick— Kindly Treated 31 

In New York — Self-Consecra- 
tion 32 

Visits from House to House . 32 

On Staten Island 32 

In Philadelphia 33 

In Wilmington 34 

Eeturns to Philadelphia 34 

Not to be Guided by Half- 

Hearted Methodists 35 

Again in Burlington 35 

Execution at Chester 35 

Asbury Visits Prisoners at 

Burlington 36 

At Trenton 36 

Warns the People at an Exe- 
cution 37 

Begging Money— Church Debt 37 

u SU11 as a Dumb Man " 37 

Journeys to New York 38 

A MixedCompany 39 

Asbury Eesolves to be a Dis- 
ciplinarian 40 

Asbury's Plan of a Sermon on 

the Judgment 40 

Asbury Receives a Letter from 

Mr. Wesley 41 

In Trenton and Burlington. . 41 

In Philadelphia 41 



Page 
Asbury Visits Prisoners — Ee- 

flections 41 

Asbury's Description of Fred- " 

erica 42 

The " Forest Home" for the 

Methodist 42 

Asbury in Contact with a 

Church Minister 43 

Asbury's Outline of a Sermon 

at Quarterly Meeting 44 

Asbury in Baltimore 45 

The Doctrine of Perfect Love — 

Its Tendency 45 

Asbury preaches at a Tavern . . 45- 
An Old-fashioned Quarterly 

Meeting 45 

Asbury at Baltimore 46 

In Philadelphia 47 

In New York. 47 

Asbury's Description of New 

York City 48 

Asbury in New Jersey 48 

A Letter from Mr. Wesley 48 

Has a Christian a Bad Heart ?. . 49 

Asbury in Burlington 49 

In New York 50 

On Staten Island 50 

Destruction of Mr. Whitefield's 

Orphan House 51 

A General Conference 51 

The People of Newcastle 52 

Great Hope for Baltimore. ..... 53 

An Imputation Hurled Back. . . 53 

A Painful Prospect 54 

Asbury Raised Up from the 

Borders of Death 54 

Preaches after a Month's In- 
termission 55 

Quarterly Conference — Arrange- 
ment for the Work 55 

Asbury's Solicitude for Balti- 
more 56 

A Champion in Sin Wounded 

by the Spirit 57 

Using the Ordinances 58 

Asbury Hopeful of Baltimore . . 58 
The Revelation of St. John. ... 59 
Confirmation of the Work of God 60 



8 



Contents. 



Page 

"Work of God in Virginia 60 

An Assault from Satan 61 

Asbury at Newcastle 61 

Conference at Philadelphia 61 

Asbury Again in New York 62 

A Blessed State of Heart 63 

A Temptation of Satan 63 

Heavy Work for a Sick Man. . . 64 
A Page of Personal History ... 64 
Descendants of the French Prot- 
estants 66 

Asbury's Soul Longing for 

Heaven 66 

A Great Folly 67 

Berridge and Fletcher 67 

Waiting to Hear what the Blun- 
derer had to Say 67 

Alarm of Fire — Reflections 68 

Too Much for Both the People 

and Preacher 68 

Delightful Intercourse with 

God ." 69 

Asbury Meets with a Fellow- 
Passenger 69 

Asbury in Philadelphia 70 

A Small Congregation 70 

Asbury at a Quaker Meeting. . . 70 

An Affliction — Satan Busy 71 

Asbury 111, but Employed in 

Reading 72 

Pantings of Heart to Labor for 

God 72 

New House and Old Friends in 

Baltimore 72 

Asbury Preaches with Great 

Pathos 73 

Statistics of Circuits and Preach- 
ers 73 

Baltimore Ninety-six Years ago 74 
Asbury on his way to Philadel- 
phia 74 

In Norfolk 74 

Ballast Necessary — Puffs of Ap- 
plause 75 

The Power of Christian Sim- 
plicity 76 

Love of Souls Stronger than 

Love of Country 76 

Marines in Norfolk — Reflection 77 

A Just Observation 77 

A Retrospect 78 

Asbury Entering on a New 

Year 78 

Burnet's History of His Own 

Times 78 

" Ended where we Began " 79 

Baltimore Alarmed — Reflection 79 
Heaven and Earth Contrasted. . 80 



Page 
An Apology for Mr. Wesley. . . 81 
Asbury Safe in Philadelphia — 
A Journey of Three Thou- 
sand Miles 81 

Sufferings of Christ 81 

Asbury Prays for God's Help in 

the War Struggle 82 

Again in New Jersey 82 

Appointed to Baltimore 83 

An Impenetrable Congregation 83 
Asbury Fined for Preaching the 

Gospel 84 

Soaring too High — a Casualty 84 
Decides to Visit the Warm 

Springs 85 

The Burden of the Lord upon 

Him 85 

Decided Results from his Labors 

at the Springs 85 

An Unusual Programme for an 

Invalid 86 

Asbury's Limited Accommoda- 
tions 86 

Opposition from the Parson . . 86 
A Characteristic Description. . . 87 

A Just Discrimination 87 

Asbury's Salary — Six Pounds 

per Quarter 87 

Asbury always Prepared for the 

Worst 88 

Asbury's Private Devotions 88 

A Dangerous Practice 88 

Asbury's Heavy Temptations. . 89 
A Troublesome Little Irish- 
man 89 

A Deistical Audience at Annap- 
olis 89 

Asbury Suffering from Natural 

Timidity. 90 

Asbury's Private Prayer — Seven 

Times a Day 90 

A Higher Rule 91 

Asbury's Temptation — Prayer. 91 
An Attempt to Shoot Asbury. . 9L- 

Satan's Attacks Repulsed 92 

Conference at Deer Creek 92 

" What Have I Done ? " 94 

Mr. Rankin's Last Sermon in 

America 94 

Asbury on Predestination 94 

Visits a Prisoner under Sen- 
tence of Death 95 

Panting after Holiness 96 

" Poor Rich Sinners " 96 

A Peaceful and Passive Spirit. . 96 
An Awful Storm — Reflections . . 97 
Asbury will Live and Die a 
Methodist 97 



Contents. 



9 



Page 
Commotions Without — Peace 

Within 98 

" Calm on Tumult's Wheels I 

Sit'"' 98 

Divine Contentment 98 

Asbury on the Eastern Shore. 99 
A Happy Christmas Season. . . 99 
Asbury Reading Josephus — A 

Selection 100 

Asbury 's Dark Prospects — 

Strong Confidence 100 

Estimate of Wesley's Works 101 
Asbury under Weariness of 

Mind— Cause 101 

How Employed at T.White's. 102 
Changes his Place of Retire- 

ment 102 

Cause of Concealment Stated. 104 
Asbury Eeturns to his First 

Asylum 104 

Asbury' s Mind " Twisted and 

Tortured" 104 

" The Mighty Debt of Praise " 105 
Two of the Preachers Appre- 
hended 105 

Asbury Preaches in the Neigh- 
borhood of his Retreat. . . . 106 
Delaware to Become the Gar- 
den of the Lord 106 

An Improvised Circuit 107 

Asbury No Dreamer 107 

Asbury' s Firm Trust amid the 

Gloom and Darkness 108 

" Sweet Gales of God's Love". 108 
Asbury's Weighty Words on 

Church Discipline 109 

Asbury Eestless in his Limited 

Work 110 

A Stupefying and Dangerous 

Sentiment 110 

Asbury Must Work for the 

Sake of Example Ill 

Hervey and Fletcher Ill 

Asbury's Field of Labor Ex- 
panding 112 

The Two Extremes 112 

Almost a Prophecy 114 

Asbury's Sensitive Conscience 114 

Strong Impression 115 

Trusting in Past Experience . . 115 
Asbury's Wandering Thoughts 

in Prayer 116 

Conference for the Northern 

Stations 116 

Asbury Seeks to Prevent a 

Separation in the South.. 116 
" Why should we Lose One 
Hour?" 117 



Page 

Asbury Preaching for Souls, 

not for Silver .^ 117 

" A Lame Separation " 118 

The Doctor's Means very Suc- 
cessful 118 

Reading, Praying, Preaching, 

and Sea-bathing Combined 118 

Asbury a Bible Student 119 

An Old-fashioned Quarterly 

Meeting 119 

"People Will and Will Not". 120 

Asbury an Early Riser 120 

Prefers the Episcopal Mode 

of Ordination 121 

Brother Hartley Determined to 

Marry * 121 

" The Devil will Let us Read 

if we Will not Pray " .... 121 * 
Not to be Converted by Thun- 
der and Lightning 122 

A Curious Motive for Pro- 
claiming a Fast 122 

The Yv^ork Deepens and Spreads 123 
Difficulties of Supplying the 

Work 123 

An Aged Man Deaf to Script- 
ure and Reason 123 

A Funeral Sermon. 124 

Quarterly Meeting in Edward 

White's Barn 124 

Friday Asbury's Fast-day 125 

Asburv's Apportionment of 

Time 125 

Asbury prefers Death to a God- 
forsaken People 126 

Brother Hartley Married 126 

Asbury's Estimate of Fletcher 127 

Cromwell a Prodigy 127 

Satan is a Liar, Christ is True 127 

The Nicolites 128 

Lawyer Basset 129 

Freeborn Garrettson in Jail.. . 129 
Warburton against Wesley and 

Whitefield 130 

Garrettson Released 130 

One State too Small a Field for 

Asbury 130 

Asbury Weather-bound 131 

M Report, say They, and We 

will Report it " 131 

Asbury Prays for Good Weath- 
er 132 

" John's People Fishing " .... 132 
Asbury Sets Off for Baltimore. 133 
The Act against Non- Jurors. . 133 

A Happy Thought. 133 

The Virginia Conference — Rec- 
onciliation 135 



IO 



Contents. 



Page 
Asbury Wanted in Every Part 

of the Work 137 

" Always on the Wing " 137 

Great Commotion 138 

-*~ Slavery— A Petition Answered 138 

John Picking 139 

Kingswood School in America. 139 
^r Asbury Fording Creeks and 

t 00 ^ Sleeping on the Floor 140 

A Question Answered 141 

Over Eocks, Hills, Creeks, and 

Pathless Woods 142 

Chatham County 142 

Too Lazy to Eide a Circuit . . . 143 
Isaac Eawlins Brought to 

Terms 143 

" Cromwell is the Man " 144 

A Eunning Life 144 

A Eetrospect 145 

A Sensible View 146 

Intermittent Fever 146 

Asbury Writes to Mr. Wesley 

— His Answer 147 

Asbury's Traveling Compan- 
ion Sick 147 

Melancholy Tidings 148 

Asbury Mourns the Death of 

his Friend 149 

Primitive Way of Traveling. . . 149 
Asbury at Mr. Gough's once 

More 150 

Quarterly Meeting at Dover. . . 151 

A Becord of Six Months 151 

Asbury's Work Laid Out 151 

Fervent Prayer for the Work 

of God 152 

Bleeding and Blistering 152 

The Wilds and Swamps of 

Delaware . . 153 

Bad Habits Soon Learned 153 

Asbury True to his Colors 153 

In Philadelphia 154 

Benjamin Abbott 154 

Asbury a Eapid Eeader 155 

Again in Philadelphia 155 

Eeview of his Travels 155 

TwentyPreachersatConference 156 

Harmony of the Preachers 156 

Harry, the Black Man 156 

Wicked "Whisky Drinkers 156 

Wonderful Caves 157 

Asbury Sleeping among the 

Eocks 158 

Sick — Severe Treatment 158 

Persecution — Spiritual Pros- 
perity 159 

Asbury soon Tires of the City. 159 
i T( qv,v y in Danger 159 



Page 

A Thousand at Quarterly Meet- 
ing 160 

Asbury in Baltimore 160 

Party Spirit Among the People 160 
Asbury's Eule in Praying for 

the Church 161 

Asbury Expecting Better En- 
tertainment 161 

The Best Antidote 162 

Philip Adams 162 

Mr. Kennon — His Eeligion and 

Creed 162 

Asbury Successful as a Peace- 
maker 163 

Kejoices in the News of 
American Independence. . 163 
Baltimore Conference — Gen- 
eral Statistics 164 

Asbury Sick and Weary 164 

" My Poor Horse " 165 

Asbury's Inactivity Embittered 165 
Philadelphia a Noisy, Disa- 
greeable Place 166 

Poor Gospel-hardened Trenton 166 

William Tennent 166 

Asburv's Labors — Begging for 

Church Debt 166 

White's New Chapel 167 

Williamsburg the Former Cap- 
ital 167 

A Cold State of Things 168 

The Barn a Closet for Prayer. . 168 
No Fodder, no Supper, no 

Prayer 168 

Peace Confirmed between En- 
gland and America 169 

Love-feast Testimony in Favor 

of African Liberty 169 

Cruelty to a Negro— Asbury's ^ 

Protest 169 

Hunger and Hard Work not 

the Worst of It 170 

Quarterly Meeting — Asbury's 

Aspiration for Holiness. . . 170 , 

Asbury in New York 171 

Hard Lodging for a Sick Man. 171 

A Wild Chase 171 

Quakers Help Build the Salem 

Church 172 

From North to South. 172 

Eight Years Ago 172 

Asbury in Dover Again 173 

On the Banks of the Potomac 173-v 
At Alexandria Court-house . 173 
Letter from Mr. Wesley — 

Preaches at Edenton 174 

A Eide of Forty Miles— A Con- 
gregation of Fifteen 1 74 



Contents. 



ii 



Page 
Asbury Wonderfully Enter- 
tained 174 

Sweeps through the Counties 175 

Northward Again 175 

Glendenning Foiled 176 

Asbury Ascending the Alle- 
ghany 176 

A Mixed Congregation 176i 

One Hundred and Sixty Miles 

of Eough Eoads 177 

Asbury at Fredericktown and 

Winchester 177 

Philadelphia Circuit 177 

Asbury at Burlington and 

Trenton 178 

Growing into Good Methodists 178 
John Budd — Fellowship and 

Prayer 179 

Asbury Exhorting the Boys at 

School 179 

Asbury's First Visit to Kent 

Island 179 

Three Days' Work 180 

Asbury Meets Coke and What- 

coat 180 

Dr. Coke Eeviews Asbury's 

Field of Labor 181 

Asbury Meets with T. Vasey . . 181 
Asbury's Approaching Eleva- 
tion 181 

Methodist Episcopal Church 
1 Organized — Asbury's Elec- 
tion and Ordination 18*2 

Asbury's First Sermon after 

Ordination 183 

Asbury off to Virginia 183 

Afraid of Self-Estimation. . . 184 
Administering the Ordi- 
nances 184 

11 Here and There a Horse 

Thief" 185 

■Asbury Baptizes by Immersion 185 

A Week in Charleston 185 

An Oasis in the Desert 186 

Merry, Drinking Baftsmen . . . 186 
" His Sermon was his Own" — 

Proof 187 

Agitation— Dr. Coke— O'Kelly 

—Slavery.... 187 

Asbury Lodges in the Poor- 
house 187 

Coke and Asbury Wait on 

General Washington 188 

Dr. Coke Takes Leave of 

America 188 

Asbury Preaches the Founda- 
tion Sermon of Cokesburv 
College 188 



Page 
Asbury at Bath 189 

A New Chapel in Baltimore . . 189 

Asbury in Philadelphia 189 

In New York 189 

At Salem — A Baptism 190 

In Chester and Wilmington. 190 

In Dover 191 

At Kent Old Chapel 191 

* Exchanges his Jersey Wagon 

for a Sulky 191 

Unwilling to be Idle 192 

Swampy Boutes and Crazy 

Bridges 192" 

Asbury at Newbern and Beau- 
fort 193 

Charleston Eighty-six Years 

Ago 193 

A High Breakfast 193 

Asbury when with the Poor. . 194- 
Allows Nothing to Detain 

Him 194 

Asbury's Cool Reception at 

Hillsborough 195 

A Beinforcement 1 95 

Financiering 195 

Asbury's Interview with Mr. 

Otterbein 196 

Asbury Going to the Frontiers 196 
Specially Wicked at Court Time 197 
Bad Boads — Little to Eat — Un- 
comfortable Lodgings . . . 197 
Asbury at Bath for Health, but 

Hard at Work 198 

Slow Progress with the College 198 

Northward Again 198 

Asbury 111 in New York— His 

Journals 199 

Among the Sands of New 

Jersev 199 

At Cape May 199 

Meets with Whatcoat in 

Philadelphia , . . . 200 

Asbury's Flying Visit to New 

Jersey 200 

Asbury Back to Philadelphia. 200 

In Dover 201 

At Garrettson Chapel 201 

At Lewiston Court-house . . . 201 
Good News from Talbot Circuit 201 
The College and Book Concern 202 

Asbury Off to Virginia 202 

Begins the Year with Hard 

Work 202 

A Famous Heroine for Christ . 203 
Asbury's Trust in Providence 

Confirmed 203 

Newbern — Left the People as 
He Found Them 203 



12 



Contents. 



Page 
Methodism Obtains a Foot- 
hold in Georgetown and 

Charleston 204 

Coke and Asbury in Company 204 

Rapid Movements 205 

Dr. Coke at Elizabethtown and 

New York 206 

Asbury on Long Island 20' 

Finds the Eight Kind of 

Hearers 206 

Ordains Ezekiel Cooper Dea- 
con 206 

In Great Union with the 

Church and the Lord 207 

" Will it Always be So ? "... . 207 

West Point 207 

Asbury Stimulated by Large 

Congregations 208 

Firebrands in Philadelphia . . . 208 

Asbury at the Springs .... 208 

A Good Time at Bell's and 

Barratt's 209 

" At Jones's all Death! Death ! 

Death!"... 209 

"Life a Weariness without 

God, Love, and Labor". . 209 
A Week of Haste in Business. 210 

Asbury in Philadelphia 210 

Jacob Brush and Ira Ellis Or- 
dained Deacons 211 

Opening of Cokesbury College 211 
Brother H. was Glad to Resign 211 
"When I Awake I am Still 

With Thee " 211 

Peter's Denial of His Master. . 212 
Conference at Charleston — Ri- 
otous Demonstrations 212 

Conference in Georgia 213 

Asbury Journeying in South 

Carolina 213 

' An Awful Journey 214 

Asbury in Virginia 215 

Conference in Tennessee 215 

Forty-five Miles a Day 216 

Asbury Can Bear Methodist 

Noise 216 

Conference in Virginia 217 

• Asbury Crossing the Alleghany 217 
" The Lame and the Blind " . . 218 
Asbury at Work for Cokesbury 

College 218 

Conference at Philadelphia. . . 218 

Asbury at Elizabethtown . 218 

Conference at New York 218 

Asbury Returns Through New 

Jersey 219 

Again in Dover 219 

For and Against Slavery 219 



Methodists Emancipate their 

Slaves 220 

A Shout Among the People . . . 220 
Attempt to Burn Cokesbury 

College 220 

An Offensive Smell of Rum. . . 221 
. TheLord at Work— Good Times 22} 
'^►Hunger, Fatigue, and Fever. . 221 
Coke and Asbury Find a Pul- 
pit Competitor 222 

Georgia Conference on Educa- 
tion 222 

Charleston Conference — Un- 
kind Attack 222 

Asbury Cares for the Indians . 223 

Conference at Leesburg 223 

Conversions in Baltimore and 

Cokesbury College 224 

Conference at* Trenton 224 

The Work Opens in New York 

State and in New England 224 
Dr. Coke Sails for England. . . 225 
Asbury in Duchess County. . . 225 

"The Poor First" 225 

"No Desire to See Them 

Again" ■ 226 

Asbury Not Satisfied with Re- 
sults in Philadelphia 226 

Not Cordially Received at 

Carlisle 226 

Candidates for the Ministry 

Increasing 227 

Asbury " Not Born to Riches " 227 
A High Day at Shepherdstown 227 
"A Wonder-working Time". 228 

A Death at Cokesbury 228 

A New Church at Burlington. 229 

Dedication at Wilmington 229 

A Charity School 229 

The "Saints of the World 

Displeased" 230 

Cokesbury — Council Held in 

Baltimore 230 

Faithfully Warned 231 

James O'Kelly— Restless 232 

Asbury Sweeps Through the 

Counties 232 

Good News— All Partake of 

the Joy 233 

Charleston Conference Re- 
solves to Establish Sun- 
day-Schools 233 

Preachers' Salaries and Defi- 
ciencies 234 

Wesley and Whitefield School 234 
Six Hundred Miles in Three 

Weeks 234 

Asbury Contemplating Death. 235 



\ 



Contents. 



Page 
Thunder and Lightning and 

Yelling of Wolves 235 

Condition of the Preachers 236 

A Great Load for a Little Horse 236 
"A Poor Sinner Highly Offended 236 
Two Thousand Five Hundred 

Miles in Two Months 237 

Indian Murders 237 

A Guard from Kentucky — As- 

bury's Dream 238 

Journey Tbrough the Wilder- 
ness — Graves of the Slain. 23S 

Conference in Lexington 239 

Return Journey — Asbury Ad- 
jutant and "Quartermaster. 240 
General Eussell's a Favorite 

Stopping-place 241 

Conference on Yadkin River. . 241 

Conference at Petersburg . 241 

41 Alone Before the Lord''' 242 

Conference at Uniontown 242 

Asbury's Spirit of Meekness. . 243 
Students at Cokesbury — Exer- 
cises 243 

A New Chapel in Philadelphia 244 
11 1 Must Needs Go Through 

Samaria" 244 

The Wicked Page— God Tri- 
umphs 244 

The New Church 245 

Asbury in Philadelphia 245 

Sister Dickinson 245 

Weighty Matters 246 

"If Thev Will Shout, Why 

Let Them Shout" 246 

Henrv Ennalls Converted and 

His Slaves Freed 247 

'Cokesbury — Students Exam- 
ined 247 

A Comprehensive Wish 247 

The Lord at Work in Virginia 248 

11 Hail, Happy Dead ! " 248 

"As Happy as Princes in a 

Palace" 248 

A Great Change in Six Years. 249 
Dr. Coke Returns to America. 249 
The Work in Georgia Dead — 

Causes 249 

White and Red Indians 250 

Dr. Coke and Asbury Working 

Together 

Wesley's Death ! Asbury's Es- 
timate of His Character 

Conferences at Baltimore and 

Duck Creek 252 

Asbury's Last Interview with 

Dr. Coke 253 

Eighteen Years Ago 253 



250 



251 



13 



Page 



Conference in New York — As- 
bury Preaches on the Death 

of Wesley 253 

Asbury in Connecticut — A 

Close Observer 254 

Asbury's Reception at Stratford 255 
Reception at New Haven. . . 255 
Asbury Favored by the Stand- 
ing Order at Middietown. . 256 

New London 257 

Churches and Religion at New- 
port 258 

Providence in 1791 258 

Mr. Snow— Tennent and White- 
field 258 

Boston in 1791 259 

Lynn the Perfection of Beauty 259 
Asbury's Sympathy for the In- 
habitants of Marblehead. . 260 

Asbury Visits Salem 260 

An Annual General Conference 

Proposed 261 

A Characteristic of the People. 261 
" See if the Methodists do not 

Work their Wav" 261 

A Constant Walk with God.. . 262 
Nature's Carpet and Umbrella. 262 
Asbury inSalisbury and Sharon 262 
" All for God, and Christ, and 

Souls" 263 

Brief Definition of Christian 

Perfection 263 

Monmouth and Long Branch. 264 

Asbury Rejoicing 264 

"Not a Moment's Desire of 

Any Thing but God " . . . . 264 
Asbury Begging Money for 

Cokesbury 265 

Crossing the Potomac 265" 

Norfolk and Portsmouth 266 

Asbury's Route through North 

Carolina 266 

Mr. Hammett's Objections 267 

Conference at Charleston 267 

Georgia Conference — Search- 
ing and Sifting 267 

A Day's Ride of Fifty Miles. . 268 
Antinomianism in Doctrine 

and Practice 268 

Crossing Streams 269 « 

Indian Depredations 269 

A Wakeful, Watchful Night.. 269 
"Rest, Poor House of Clay".. 270 

u Hail, Happy Death ! " 271 

A Pleasant Change 271 

A Seminary Founded at Union- 
town • 271 

Peace and Holiness 272 



14 



Contents. 



Mr. Haminett and T. Morrell . 272 

" Our Old New Church " 272 

" Some Too Wise " 273 

Asbury's Early Years . . 273 

The Poor Have the Gospel 

Preached to Them 278 

Conference at Lynn 279 

Pittsfield with its Grand Meet- 
ing-house 279 

"A Joyful, Happy Conference 

at Albany" 281 

Asbury at Governor Van Cort- 

landt's 281 

Conference in New York — 

" Happy Poverty " 282 

Unkind Act from a Kind Friend 282 
Philadelphia a Wicked City — 

The Mobility 283 

Asbury Resting at Home 284 

A Comfortable Conference and 

a "Burning Love-feast". 284 

A Day at Judge White's 285 

Dr. Coke's Arrival — General 

Conference 285 

Asbury's Note to the General 

Conference 286 

Mr. O'Kelly Withdraws from 

the Connection 287 

Increase of Methodism 287 

Mr. Hammett and Dr. Coke. . . 288 
Asbury Between Two Fires. . . 288 
Ruins of Whitefield's Orphan 

House _ 289 

Seceders and Eevilers 289 

Asbury's Difficulty in Finding 

Entertainment 289 

Membership in the United 

States Fifty Thousand. ... 291 
. Restless Men— Asbury's Spirit 291 
Journey Over the Mountains. . 292 
Respect of Presbyterians for 

Ministers 293 

"None Need Desire to be an 

American Bishop "....... 294 

Discipline Read in Conference 294 
Another Journey Through the 

Wilderness 295 

Much Travel and Many Trials 295 
Peace in the Conference and 

Happiness in the Cabin. . . 296 
Preachers Leaving the Itiner- 
ancy 296 

Asbury at Bath 297 

Conference at Oldtown 297 

The Difference Between the 

True and False JVlinister . . 298 
"They Suspected % we were 

Preachers " 298 



Albany— No Sympathy from 

the Rich 298 

A Day of Small Things in Con- 
necticut and Rhode Island 299 ■ 
A Spectacle to Men and Angels 300 

4i Pain Begets Invention " 301 

Conference atTolland— Asbury 

a Sufferer 301 

New Divinity Intolerant 302 

Asbury in a Mill-Race 302 

Sick, but Hard at Work 303 

At Burlington 303 

In Philadelphia in the Midst 

of Contagion 304= 

" The People Pretended to be 

Afraid" 305 

" O the Plague of Sin ! " 305 

Asbury Speaks in Self-Defense 305 

Conference at Petersburg 306 

Preachers Loyal to the General 

Conference 306 

A Room Twelve Feet Square 
for Conference, Sleeping, 

and Hospital 307 

Asbury Declines Going "West . 308 
Gordon's History of the Revo- 
lution 308 

Poor Beverly Allen 308 

" How Good were the Potatoes 

and Fried Gammon " 309 

A Cordial Reception— " Wife, 

Get Up" 310*" 

The Care of All the Churches. 311 
Why Some Left the Methodist 

Episcopal Church 312 

" I Took mv Staff and Faintly 

Ascended the Hill " 312 „ 

Asbury Submits to have his 

Likeness Taken 313 

At the New African Church 

in Philadelphia 314 

Philadelphia to New York 314 

Important Distinction — Asbu- 
ry Firm 314 

Asburv's Rate of Services 315 

The Old Prophet 315 

Asbury in Boston — Jack Tars. 315 
Asbury Not Free to Eat and 

Drink in Providence 316 

New London Church Building 316 
EcclesiasticalChains-Prophecy 317 
The New Chapel in Wilbraham 31 8 

Through Connecticut 318 

Methodist Church in Brooklyn 319 

Asbury Overworked. 319 

Malignant Fever and Whisky 

insurrection 320 

Asbury Soon Tires of the City. 321 



X 



Page 
Cokesbury in Debt — A Chris- 
tian School or None 321 

Sable Sons of i^frica — The 

Question now Answered. . 322 
General Conference Action on 

Slavery 323 

" Still Onward — Fainting but 

Fighting " 323 

Charleston Conference 324 

Asbury on Berridge 325 

Prospective Work 325 

The Third Eevival 325 

New Still-House— A Warning. 326 

A Comprehensive Prayer 326 

" From White's to Nelson's " . 326 

A New Meeting-House 327 

The "Hope" of Asbury now 

Eealized 327 

Harper's Ferry — Its Impending 

Eocks 328 

Death of Judge White — His 

Character 328 

Asbury Subject to Depression. 329 
Evening with Dr. A. Eidgelev. 330 
Asbury Spends Three Days in 

Meeting Classes 330 

Brother Morrell Sick but Re- 
covering 330 

The Bishop at Work in the 

Classes 331 

Asbury Preaches in Dr. Ed- 
wards's Meeting-house 331 

Conference at New London. . . 331 
•" Either Cursing or Blessing ". 332 
Departure fromLynn — Brother 

Roberts 333 

Asbury's Plan for 1707 333 

Ashgrove — Philip Embury . . . 334 
Difference whether in Company 

with Saints or Sinners .... 334 
Plattsburg Asking for Method- 
ist Preachers 335 

Methodism atCoeyman's Patent 335 
Brother Garrettson Spiritually 

Eich 336 

Conference at White Plains — 

Forty-three Present 336 

Through New Jersey Again.. 337 
Extensive Conference Appoint- 
ments . 338 

Conference in Baltimore 338 

Methodism Regains its Proper 

Tone 339 

" If there were no Sinners "... 339 
Christmas Day — Only an Ap- 
ple to Eat 340 

Cokesbury College Burned . . . 341 
President Washington 342 



Contents. 1 5 

Page 
Asbury Happy with the Poor 

Slaves 343 

The Seventh Commandment. . 343 
Asburv's Labors in Charleston 344 
"If 'they Could Hear Me 

ThiBk" 344 

Asbury a Friend of Learning. . 345 

Asbury's W T ig 346 

A Mountain Wedding 346 

Conference — Parting with the 

Preachers 347" 

The Workmen Falling in Death 348 

" I Expect a Crown " 348 

Indian Barbarities — A Thrill- 
ing Narrative 349 

" Ah, If I were Young Again!" 352 

Conference at Uniontown 354 

A Eeview 354 

Large Congregations in Dela- 
ware 355 

Asbury Originates a Fund for 
the Support of the Ministry 356 
Laying a Corner-Stoae near 

Schooley's Mountain 356 

Preaches Three Times and 
Meets Six Classes in One 

Day 357 

Asbury's Definition of Heresy 

and Schism 357 

Old Haddam 358 

Conference of Thirty Preachers 359 
Asbury Preaches with Deep 

Emotion 359 

Weary and Unwell, yet 

Cheerful 360 

' ' Great Love and Great Eiches' ' 360 
Asbury Seldom Travels on the 

Sabbath 360 

General Conference of 1796 361 

Coke, Whatcoat, and Asbury. 361 
Eejecting Mr. Wesley — Asbu- 
ry's Statement 362 

" Noble Animal — Poor Slaves " 363* 
Serious News from Baltimore. 363 
Asbury's Depression of Spirits 

Constitutional. 3G4 

" The Pain of Parting " 364 

Church Building in Charleston 364 
Generosity of a Poor Black 
"Hail, Ye Solitary Pines 
Asbury Preaches Sitting 

Crossing Toe Eiver. 
"Live or Die, I Must Eide 
A List of Sympathizing Friends 368 
" A Worthless Lump of Misery 

and Sin " 369 

"My Bow is Weak if not 
Broken " 370 




i6 



Contents. 



Page 

Asbury Cannot be Inactive. . . 370 
A Living Fire Kindled in New 

Brunswick 370 

Asbury at Mr. Sherwood's 371 

" Awfully Dumb Sabbaths ". . 371 
Asbury GoingDown into Egypt 372 
An American Bishop in Prin- 
ciple and Practice 372 

Asbury's Honorable Mention 

of Elijah Crawford 373 

Asbury Sick, but Traveling and 

Visiting Families 373 

Great Times at Duck Creek. . . 373 
Baltimore Conference— All the 

Preachers Satisfied 374 

Asbury Opens the New Church 374 
Advised by the Conference 

to Eest 375 

Declines to Rebaptize 375 

Book List for 1798 376 

Asbury Never Idle 376 

Importance of Asbury's Journal 376 
Local Preachers — Their Rela- 

**w tion to Slavery 377 

Half-yearly Conference at Bal- 
timore 378 

Conference in Philadelphia — 

Trouble with City Societies 378 
News of the Death of Asbury's 

Father ,. 379 

The Parting Scene Twenty- 
seven Years Ago 379 

Children Dying — Rain Needed 380 
How Asbury was First Called 

Bishop 3S0 

No Adequate Pay but Souls. . 381 
Asbury's Reflections on Pesti- 
lence 381 

Whitefield's Tomb 382 

Portsmouth a Well-fortified 

Town 382 

The First Conference ever Held 

in Maine 383 

Place of Mr. Whitefield's Last 

Sermon 383 

Conference at Granville 384 

Asbury Compares his Travels 

to a Flight 384 

Awful Times in Philadelphia 

and New York 385 

Death of John Dickins 385 

His Character 385 

Mortality Among the Preachers 386 
Asbury Hard at Work Again. . 386 
"ItWillMakeDeath Welcome" 387 
Cooling Breeze from the North 388 
Great Harmony and Good Hu- 
mor in Conference 389 



A Visit to the Sea 389 

Newbern Originally Settled by 

Germans 389 

Asbury Moving Rapidly 
Through the Counties. . . . 390 
Raising Blood — Unable to 

Preach 390 

Journeying Toward Balti- 
more 891 

A Home Offered Asbury 391 

A Legacy from a Living Friend 392 
Asbury Advised to Suspend 

Preaching 392 

E.CooperappointedBookAgent 392 
Asbury Sweeps Through New 

Jersey 393 

Conference for New York and 

the New England States. . 393 
Asbury Thinks of Resigning 
the General Superintend- 

ency 393 

A Grouj) of Honored Names . . 394 

Asbury in Orange County 394 

In Pain and "Heat, Hungry 

and Sick Z%¥* 

" A Balm for Every Sore " 395 

Venerable Names 395 

Revival State of the Districts. 396 
A Trip Through Nine Counties 396 
James O'Kelly's Plan of Union 396 
"Weary World! When Will 

it End?" 397 

Asbury's American Birthday . 397 

Asbury Crossing Rivers 39S— 

Asbury's Burden 398 

Ecclesiastical Revenue 398 

The Bishop Turns Nurse 399 

A Gloss upon Joshua xiv, 8. . . 400 

An Intestine War 401 

Conference in Charleston 401 

Death of Washington — Match- 
less Man 401 

Asbury Remains in Charleston 

Awhile 402 

At Work With his Pen 402 

Leaves Charleston 403 

At Camden 403 

"Revived" at Sight of the 

Lawyers 404 

Preaches at the State-House 

at Raleigh 404 

"Hail, Ancient Virginia, Once 

More!" 405 

" He might as well have asked 

me lor Peru " 405 

The Effigy of Washington .... 405 
Five Hundred Miles in Nine- 
teen Counties 40C 



Contents. . 1 7 



V. 



Eleven Hundred Miles 406 

General Conference at Balti- 
more — Whatcoat Elected 

Bishop 406 

Conference at Duck Creek — 
One Hundred Conversions 407 

A Year of Pentecost 408 

Two Bishops and Almost a 

Third 408 

Knotty Subjects Talked Over 
in Plainness, Harmony, 

and Love 408 

" A Mighty Stir in the Bowery 

Church" 409 

Betsey Sherwood Gone to Glory 409 
Connecticut One Continuity of 

Landscape 410 

Methodism Getting Foothold 

in New Haven 410 

Asbury 1 s Estimate of New En- 
gland Women 411 

General Lippelt's Chapel 411 

A New Church in Boston. . . . 412 
Heavy Work Accomplished. . . 412 
Asbury and Whatcoat Preach 

in the New Tabernacle ... 412 
The Parsonage in Spencertown 413 

Madam Livingston 413 

Goshen, Cornwall, Sharon. . . . 413 
F. Garrettson's Residence. . . . 414 
Two Bishops Dine on a Water 

Melon 414 

The Lieutenant-Governor and 

Lady 415 

A Slight Accident 415 

Through New Jersey Again. . . 416 
Dutchmen Make Lively Meth- 
odists 416 

Mr.andMrs.GoughNotatHome 416 
Revival on the Western Shore 

of Maryland 417 

Good News from Virginia 417 

" Only Now and Then Sending 

Up a Message to Heaven " 418 
Bethel andCokesbury not Well 

Located 418 

Running Blister and a Long Ride 41 9 
Good Quarters, Fire, and Food 420 
A Trio of Good and Great Men 420 
Asbury Reaches his Thirtieth 

Year of Labor in America. 421 
Christian Union and Primitive 

Simplicity 421 

The Wilderness as the Garden 

of God to Asbury 422 

Asbury' s First Visit to Knox- 

ville 422 

" An Ugly Accident " 423 



Page 

Only Twenty Appointments in 
a Thousand Miles 424 

Augusta — Prospects of Meth- 
odism 424 

General Conference Address 
on Slavery 425 

Between Two Fires — "Poor 

Bishop 1 ' 425 

Conference at Camden 426 

Asbury Dining on the Sand , 
Hills on Bread and Bacon. 427 

" Murmurs of Partiality " — As- 
bury's Defense 427 

N. Snethen's Answer to James 
O'Kelly 428 

" No More of Solomon than the 
Name" 428 

Wilmington — The Tabernacle 
Crowded 428 

" An American-made Method- 
ist " 429 

A " Flight Through" Several 

Counties" 430 

Ostervald' s Christian Theology 430 

Asbury Preaches the Funeral 
Sermon of Mr. Jarratt 431 

Conference at Pipe Creek .... 431 

"How Strange ! — How Merci- 
ful!" 432 

"Pressing Out Life with La- 
bor" 432 

Large Congregation in Dover. 433 

Philadelphia Conference — As- 
bury "in Patience and in 
Pain" 433 

Asbury Goes Southward Again 434 
Sick at Perry Hall 434 

Out-door Preaching 435 

Episcopal Plan 435 

Asbury and the Local Preachers 436 

" Our HostBecame Our Guide" 436 

"Whv Should it Not Always 
be Thus?" 436 

" Lame Feet and Old Feeble 
Joints" 437 

"Cotton Sells High — More 
Gold than Grace " 437 

A Plan for Future Labors and 
Travels 438 

Methodism Flourishing in Au- 
gusta 438 

Asbury an Englishman — Can't 
Help It 439 

Another Episcopal Plan 439 

"Why Should a Living Man 
Complain ? " 440 

Strong Faith for the Prosperity 
of Zion 440 



I< 



Contents. 



Papre 
An Observation of John Wesley 441 

Conference in Camden 441 

Pains and Pleasures in a Small 

Compass. 442 

Asbury's Expectation Realized 442 
u Farewell to that House For- 
ever" 442 

Encouraging Prospects at New- 
born. 443 

Conference at Salem — Defi- 
ciency of Preachers 443 

John Lee's Funeral Sermon . . 444 
Conference at Baltimore — Sta- 
tistics 444 

Death of Asbury's Mother — 

Tribute to Her Memory . . 445 

Eastern Shore of Virginia 446 

Great Time at Bowen's Chapel 447 

A Trip Through Delaware 447 

Conference in Philadelphia — 

The Academy 447 

A Sudden Choice of Subjects. 448 

Asbury at Pittsgrove 448 

At " Crosswicks " 448 

On Staten Island 449 

" Wonders Will Never Cease " 449 
Memorable Names in the Early 

History of Methodism. . . . 449 

Yearly Conference in John-st. 450 

Asbury Journeys Eastward. . . 451 

Students of " Yale » Under the 

Ministry of S amuel Merwin 451 

Meeting at Cranston 452 

Asbury in Boston 452 

Across the State 452 

Conference in an Upper Room. 453 
Geo. Pickering's Name Appears 453 
The Law of Church Rates Op- 
posed 454 

Asbury's Footsteps in Litch- 
field County . . 454 

Asbury at Traveler's Rest — 

Billy Hibbard 455 

ThreeSermons inNewYorkCity 455 
A Brief Stop— u A Word or 

Two and Prayer " 455 

Asbury's First Sermon in the 

Academy at Philadelphia. 456 
Trials from Every Point of 

the Compass 456 

A House of Worship at Last. . 456 
Asbury's Interview with Mr. 

O'Kelly 456 

« " Fourteen Times Over the 

Mighty Mountains " 457 

Nearly Five Thousand Miles ! . 458 
Presbyterian Ministers Preach- 
ing at Conference 45S 



T , m VWZ 

Improvised Tents 458 

Asbury Meets with an Accident 458 
Lifted from his Horse like a 

Helpless Child 459 

Preaches to a Group of Trav- 
elers 460 

Visits from House to House. 460 

" Two Sticks and a Good Prov- 
idence" 461 

Six Thousand Miles Nearly 
Completed 461 

Conference at Camden — Statis- 
tics 462 

"I Smile at the Simplicity of 

our Friends " 462 

Cake and Cheese by the Way. 462 

An Objection as Old as Meth- 
odism 463 

Bad Roads and Hungry Trav- 
elers 463 

Baltimore the Banner Confer- 
ence in Finances 464 

Asbury's Estimate of the Su- 

perintenclency 465 

Caprice and Display Unaccept- 
able to the Bishop 465 

A Conference of One Hundred 
Preachers 466 

A Searching Sermon at St. 

George's 466 

No Improvement Discernible. 467 

The Bishops neither Popes nor 

Politicians 467 

Boston Conference — Ordina- 
tion of Joshua Soule 468 

What Industry and Economy 
will Do 46S 

Quarterly Meeting — Elder Os- 

trander 469 

Quite in the Old Style 469 

Seventy Preachers in Confer- 
ence 469 

Statistics — Asbury's Ambition 470 

Asbury Preaches at Trenton. . 470 

" Heat, Dust, and Turnpike 
Gates" 470 

Asbury at Carlisle 471 

Religious Condition of Penn- 
sylvania 471 

Asbury's Legacy— Who Wants 

It? 472 

Camp-Meeting on the Monon- 

gahela 472 

Pittsburg — u It is Time we 

had a House of our Own" 473 

An Aged Presbyterian 473 

Asbury in Brook and Ohio 

Counties 473 



Contents. 



19 



Page 
Asbury Preaclies in a ''Pres- 
byterian Tent " 474 

Introduction of Slaves Prohib- 
ited 474 

American Enterprise in Ohio. . 475 
Conference and Conversions. . 475 
Missionaries Appointed to 

Natchez and Illinois ...... 47G 

A Description of Western Em- 
igration 476 

Asbury' s Return from the 

Western World 476 

A House of Worship Built by 

One Man 477 

Preachers' House in Charleston 

a Paradise 477 

News of the Progress of the 

Work of God 478 

Difference Between a Pope 

and a Methodist Bishop . . *478 
Coke at the Augusta Conference 479 
Asburv's Reasons for a Life of 

Celibacy 470 

Work Oppresses Him 480 

Dot in Sodom 481 

A Female Charitable Society. . 481 
A New Chapel — " I Named it 

Ebenezer" 482 

A Eetrospect 4b2 

GeneralConferenceinBaltimore 483 
Conference at Soudersburg . . . 484 
From Philadelphia to New York 484 
Thos. Lyell Proposes to Leave 

the Methodists 484 

A False Friend 485 

Asbury Watchful of the 

Preachers 486 

Through Rhode Island 486 

Once More in the "'Pleasant 

Town of Lynn" 486 

Asbury Sweeping Through the 

Towns 486 

"Robed in His Gown"— The 

Contrast 487 

Conference at Buxton 487 

xlsbury Passes through Towns 

and States Comet-like . . . 488 
Suffers from Hunger — Sym- 
pathy for the Preachers . . 488 
One Thousand and Fifty Miles 489 
"Farewell to Tommy Lyell " . 489 

Elder M'Olaskv 490 

" Forty-five Miles To-day ".. . 490 
Street Preaching and Female 

Prayer-Meetings. 491 

Melancholy End of J. Cromwell 491 
A High Compliment to Local 

Preachers 492 



Paee 

Thirty-four Days' Illness 492 

Asbury More Tender of Others 

than of Himself 492 

Death of Wilson Lee 493 

An Empty Purse 494 

11 Wandering Without Friends 

or Food" 494 

Friend Tomkins Expelled for 

Selling a Slave 495 

Four Hundred Conversions in 

Four Days 495 

Asbury Happy in the Solitary 

Woods 496 

Nearly Three Thousand Miles 

since General Conference. 497 
Asbury Crossing Tar Eiver. . . 497 
O'Kelly on Government, Mon- 
archy, and Episcopacy . . . 497 

Conference Statistics 498 

"1 Hear, I See, I Feel " 499 

City Congregations " Preached 

to Death" 499 

The Bishops Preaching before 

Judges and Counselors. . . 500 
Difficult"' to Walk Officially 

Straight 500 

Mr. Leecraft Entertains Asbury 5< >0 

Mr. Wesley's Journal 501 

Conference at Ashgrove 501 

A Ride in Vermont 502 

A Sad Disproportion 502 

Some of the First Fruits 503 

The Times Changed in Boston 503 

Dr. Coke's Marriage 504 

Asbury on the Wing Through 

Connecticut 504 . 

" Bent on Great Designs for 

God" 504 

Through .Now Jersey 505 

"Then Away to the West" 505 
A Cordial Reception and Chris- 
tian Parting 506 

FiveThousand atCamp-MCeting 506 
"O Thou Pattern of Celibacy, 

Art Thou Caught ! " 507 ' 

A Four Hours' Meeting at Philip 

Catch's 507 

Conference Sabbath — Three 

Thousand Hearers 508 

Asbury Crossing the Mountains 509 
In Fellowship with a Presby- 
terian Minister 509 

Preaches at Salem on Hosea 

x, 12 510 

A Marvelous Contrast 510 

The Highest Steeple 511 

Northern Letters— Dr. Chand- 
ler's Wonderful Report. . . 511 



20 



Contents. 



Page 
Asbury's Observations on Ha- 

weis's Church History 512 

Asbury in the Fortieth Year of 

his Ministry 513 

Twenty-six Sermons during 

Conference 513 

A Somber View of Matrimony. 513 

Bapid Traveling 514 

Frightened Horses— God Pre- 
serves 514 

A Healthful Increase in Vir- 
ginia Conference 514 

Preliminary Measures for a Del- 
egated General Conference 515 

Asbury at Accomac . 515 

From Milford to Wilmington. 515 
From Baltimore to Philadel- 
phia — Conference 516 

AsburyatSharptownandSalem 517 

Great Camp-meeting 517 

An Important Paper , 518 

"Sister Thatcher" 519 

A New Chapel in West Boston 519 

Camp-meeting in Maine 519 

New England Conference 520 

" Why Did I Not Visit this 

Country Sooner? " 520 

" Not Made for Such Scenes" 521 

Fourth of July 521 

Death of Bishop Whatcoat . . . 521 
Asbury Preaches at North East 522 

A Thankful Sickness 522 

Diversity, Charity, Unity 523 

Asbury's Generous Nature 523 

Over the Mountains 523 

Wesley's Sermons Wake the 

Powers of Asbury's Soul. 524 
Asbury Bound for Charleston. 524 
How Employed in Charleston 525 
"I Shall Take Care of These 

Youngsters " 525 

Asbury's Independence 526 

U A Kumpus — Lawyers and 

Doctors in Arms " 526 

Conference at Sparta 527 

" Kedeeming the Time " 527 

" Cold, Sick, and Faint" 527 

Asbury at Newbern Conference 528 
" A Cut of Drv Bread on the 

Cold Ground" 528 

Baltimore Conference 529 

Asbury Sick, but Traveling. . . 529 
Milford the Place of Bishop 

Whatcoat's Last Sermon.. 529 

Philadelphia Conference 530 

Great Prosperity at Bethel 530 

Grandfather Budd 530 

Conference atCoeyman'sPatent 531 



Page 
Asbury Crossing Green Mount- 
ain — Imminent Danger. . . 531 " 
Difficulty of Finding Enter- 
tainment. 532 

Fifty-nine Ordinations 532 

Asbury One Hundred Miles up 

the Mohawk 532 

First Visit Through Genesee 

and Tioga Counties 533 

An Uproar Among the People. 533 

Entertained Like Kings 534 

Eeading in 1807— Formality. . . 534 
" What Hath God Wrought in 

America? " 535 

Asbury on Virginia Soil 535 

" Every Family Shall Know 

Me by Prayer " 536 

ChillicotheConferenceStatistics 536 

Asbury Young Again 536 

Camp-meeting at Mt. Gerizim. 537 
Asbury Weary and Faint, but 

Disposed toSing andShout .537 

Through Five States 537 

" A Sick, Weak Old Man "... 538 

Conference at Charleston 538 

The Balance in Asbury's Favor 538 

A Methodist Patriarch 539 

Conference at Alexandria 539 

Five Thousand Miles a Year. . 539 
" Will Bonaparte Conquer the 

World?" 540 

Asbury did not Please Every 

Body 540"* 

Swiftly Through New Jersey. 540 

Conference in Amenia 540 

At New London 541 

Methodism Advancing 541 

From New Y T ork Southward. . 541 
D eath of Mr. Gough— Character 542 

General Conference 543 

Henry Boehm 543 

Asbury Disabled 543 

A Decree, but Not of the Medes 

and Persians 544 

Disadvantages of a Local Epis- 
copacy 544 

Conference at Green Hills — 

Slavery 544 

Jesse Richardson, the Veteran 545 
Henry Boehm and a Shout. . . . 545 
Asbury, Boehm, M'Kendree.. 546 
"Great News— Baltimore Tak- 
en Fire" 546 

GloriousProspectsinCharleston 546 
Wesley Mr. Asbury's Model. . 547 
Two Bishops in Partnership. . 547 
Three Hundred Preachers at a 
Camp-meeting 547 



Contents, 



21 



Paere 

A Sabbath at Camden 548 

But Three Married Men in the 

Virginia Conference 54S 

Conversion of J. Ry all Bradley 549 
Asbury Glad to See the Preach- 
ers, but 549 

Graves of Departed Friends . . . 549 
Names Sacred to Methodism. . 550 
Philadelphia Conference — 

Eighty-four Appointments 550 
New Jersey Methodism in 1809 551 
One Hundred and Twenty 
Preachers in Conference. . 551 

The Quakers are Offended 552 

Want of Enterprise in New 

London 552 

Asbury' s Visit to Fort Wolcott 553 
" Not Half Enough to Do " . . . 553 

Asbury in Boston Again 553 

Conference at New Gloucester. 554 
" ! the Rocks, Roots, Pole- 
Bridges, and Mosquitoes!" 554 
Asbury Obliged to Sit while 

Preaching 555 

A New Route 555 

" A Despised People "Will Pos- 
sess the Land " 556 

AsburyDepressed, but Rejoices 

in God 55G 

^A. Bishop Unable to Stand or 

Kneel 55*7 

Church Building in Virginia. . 557 
Col.Zane an Extraordinary Man 557 
Multiplicity of Camp-meetings 557 
WesternConference — Statistics 558 
Asbury Five Hundred Miles 

from Cincinnati 559 

The Baptists Indebted to Meth- 
odist Camp-meetings 559 

Asbury Cares for the Various 

Interests of Methodism. . . 559 
Brother Boehm — Conference at 

Petersburg 560 

Statistics of West Maryland. . . 561 
Asbury at BaltimoreConference 561 
Statistics — The Peninsula in 

1810 562 

Asbury Must Preach 562 

Philadelphia Conference at 

Easton 563 

Some Displeased with. Their 

Stations 563 

" Twelve per Cent. Interest on 

Loans" 564 

Old John-street Must Come 

Down 564 

Through Dover to Egremont. . 564 
Missionaries Sent to Michigan. 565 



Page 
Conference and Camp-meeting 

United 565 

Asbury Appeals to Southern 

Methodism in Aid of Boston 565 
JesseLee'sHistorv — Correction 566 
" Who Shall Reform the Re- 
formers ? " 567 

Conference Invalids Curable. . 567 

A Heavy Week's Work 563 

Asbury' s Interview with Revo- 
lutionary Officers 568 

Faithful Ministers— Good News 

—Statistics 569 

A Sight of the Slaves Prevents 

Complaining 569 

Old Friends are Departing. . . . 570 
Conference Held in a Senator's 

House 570 

Conference at Raleigh 571 

" O the Clover of Baltimore 

Circuit" 571 

Eight Youn^ Preachers Re- 
cently Married 572 

Drs. Rush and Physic Visit 

Asbury 572 ' 

Limited Success in New Jersey 572 

Conference in New York 573 

Opposite Views of Adam 

Clarke and xlsbmy 573 

How the Preachers Accepted 

their Appointments 574 

Asbury' s Horse Sinks in Mud 

and Water . .. . 574 ' 

Asbury in Canada — Old Friends 575 
u Well, I have Been in Canada" 576 

A Discovery by Wise Men 576 

A Bishop's Salary 577 

Asbury Sick, but Away to the 

Camp-meeting 577 

Conference at Cincinnati 577 

u Perfect through Sufferings" 578 
" Great Snethen is Chaplain to 

Congress" 578 

Conference at Camden 578 

u This Life is Not EternaP\ . . 579 
Asbury Charged with Ordain- 
ing a Slave 579 

Forty Miles to Breakfast 580 

A Happv, Loving Conference . 580 

Death of Martin Boehm 581 

Philadelphia Conference 5S1 

General Conference of 1812... 581 
Honorable Mention of Sister 

Seney 582 

Conference at Albany 582 

Through Connecticut 583 

Conference at Lynn — Procla- 
mation of War 583 



22 



Contents, 



Page 

Conference at Lyons 583 

Sweet Revenge 584 

Whisky the Prime Curse of the 

United States 584 

Asbury Preaches to the "Union 

Volunteers " 584 

TenThousandatCarap-meeting 585 
Six Thousand Miles in Eight 

Months 585 

Asbury in the Representative 

Chamber 586 

A " Sickly, Serious Congrega- 

gation " at Louisville 586 

Asbury in North Carolina 5S6 

\ % " Brandy and the Bible— One. 

was Enough " 586 

Conference at Charleston — 

"What is Coming?" 587 

" Camp-meetings the Great 

Instrument" 587 

Fever and Pain 588 

Asbury Preaching and Ordain- 
ing on his Knees , 

Conference at • Newbern — As- 
bury on Crutches 

English Conf. Invites Asbury 
to Visit his Native Land... 
Otterbein — Ealtimore Confer- 
ence 

Asbury at Governor Bassett's, 
Small Increase in the Phila- 
delphia Conference. . 
A Question Respecting Bur- 
lington and Trenton. 
A Tavern Turned into a Church 59< > 
NewYorkConference at Amenia 591 
Bishop M'Kendree and Joshua 

Marsden ^ 591 

Through Connecticut 591 

Asbury at Pittsfield 591 

Asbury's Will 592 

Asbury at Bristol and Provi- 
dence 592 

VenerableNamesinMethodism 593 
Conference at Westmoreland. . 593 
Asbury with an Infidel Family 593 
The Tomb of Henry Willis.. . 594 

Father Everhard 594 

Conference at Brownsville 594 

Blistering the Head to Draw 
Methodism out of the Heart 595 

Tennessee Conference 595 

Asbury Preaches with Great 

Power 595 

In Savannah 595 

A Present of an Old Gig 59G 

Bishop Coke Sails for the East 
Indies 596 



5S8 

5S8 



589 



589 
589 



590 



590 



Conference in Norfolk — 

41 Mighty in Talk " 597 

A Retrospect 597 

Funeral Discourse on theDeath 

of the Great Otterbein 597 

Joseph Pilmoor 598 

Philadelphia Conference in the 

Spirit and Peace of God. . 598 
Great Kindness and Attentions 

in New Jersey 599 

J. W. Bond— A Rich Present. . 599 

A Series of Mishaps 599 

A High State of Christian Ex- 
perience 600 

Cincinnati Conference — Bish- 
op M'Kendree Injured 601 

Poor Bishops — " Sick, Lame, 

and in Poverty " 601 

Asbury' s Traveling Compan- 
ion Unequaled 601 

Old Friends — Reminiscences 602 
Little Jersey WagonhisPulpit 602 
Asbury at Conference Work, 

but Feeble 602 

Expectorates Blood 603 

A Cold Time at Newbern 603 

A Temporary Paradise 603 

Conference at Lynchburg — 

Treaty of Peace 604 

" A Few Scattering Shot " 604 

Asbury atBaltirnoreConference 604 

Curiosity to See Asbury 605 

Asbury' s Trials and Consola- 
tions 605 

A New Chapel in Philadelphia 605 

Mr. M'Dowell 606 

Asbury Preaches Dr. Coke's 

Funeral Sermon 606 

George Pickering Presides at 

the Unity Conference 607 

Asbury's Last Visit to New 

York City 607 

Journal a History of Early 

Methodism 607 

Camp-Meeting Sermon 608 , 

Politics and Piety do not Mingle 

Well 608 

Ohio Conference at Lebanon. . 609 
Asbury in Earnest Talk with 

Bishop M'Kendree 609 

M'Kendree and " The Boys on 

the Wing" 609 

Conference in Tennessee — As- 
bury Failing 609 

Asbury Made Perfect by Labor 

and Suffering 610 

Last Entry in Asbury's Journal 610 
Last Scenes of Asbury's Life. 610 



CHARACTER AND CAREER 



OF 



REV. FRANCIS ASBURY. 



Asbnry's Motive for Keeping a Diary. 

In the month of September, in the year of our 
Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-one, I 
embarked in England for America, at which time the 
memoirs I have written of my life commenced. As 
I considered my station on the American continent, 
in the order of Divine Providence, as a situation in 
which I should frequently be exposed to censure and 
jealousy, I thought it highly expedient, for my own 
satisfaction and the confirmation of my friends, to 
keep an impartial diary of my intentions, resolu- 
tions, and actions as a Christian and a minister, that 
I might have, through this medium, a constant and 
reasonable answer for mine accusers. 

Offers to go to America. 

On the 7th of August, 1771, the Conference began 
at Bristol, in England. Before this, I had felt for 
half a year strong intimations in my mind that I should 
visit America, which I laid before the Lord, being 
unwilling to do my own will, or to run before I was 
sent. During this time my trials were very great, 



24 Character and Career of [ l 77 l < 

which the Lord, I believe, permitted to prove and try 
me in order to prepare me for future usefulness. At 
the Conference it was proposed that some preachers 
should go over to the American Continent. I spoke 
my mind and made an offer of myself. It was ac- 
cepted by Mr. Wesley and others who judged I had 
a call. From Bristol I went home to acquaint my 
parents with my great undertaking, which I opened 
in as gentle a manner as possible. Though it was 
grievous to flesh and blood, they consented to let me 
go. My mother is one of the tenderest parents in 
the world, but I believe she was blessed in the pres- 
ent instance with divine assistance to part with me. 
I visited most of my friends in Staffordshire, War- 
wickshire, and Gloucestershire, and felt much life 
and power among them. Several of our meetings 
were, indeed, held in the spirit and life of God. Many 
of my friends were struck with wonder when they 
heard of my going, but none opened their mouths 
against it, hoping it was of God. Some wished that 
their situation would allow them to go with me. 

Asbury Supplied with Punds. 
I returned to Bristol in the latter end of August, 
where Richard Wright was waiting for me, to sail in 
a few days for Philadelphia. When I came to Bristol 
I had not one penny of money ; but the Lord soon 
opened the hearts of friends, who supplied me with 
clothes and ten pounds : thus I found, by experience, 
that the Lord will provide for those who trust in him. 

Sails for America. 
On Wednesday, September 4, we set sail from a 
port near Bristol, and, having a good wind, soon passed 



1 77 1 -] Bishop Asbury Ilhcstrated. 25 

the Channel. For three days I was very ill with the 
sea-sickness, and no sickness I ever knew was equal 
to it. The captain behaved well to us. On the 
Lords Day, September 8, Brother W. preached a ser- 
mon on deck, and all the crew gave attention. 

Asbury's Eeflections on Shipboard. 
Thursday y 12. I will set down a few things that lie 
on my mind. Whither am I going ? To the New 
World. What to do ? To gain honor ? No, if I 
know my own heart. To get money ? No ; I am 
going to live to God, and to bring others so to do. 
In America there has been a work of God ; some 
moving first among the Friends, but in time it de- 
clined ; likewise by the Presbyterians, but among 
them also it declined. The people God owns in En- 
gland are the Methodists. The doctrines they preach, 
and the discipline they enforce, are, I believe, the pur- 
est of any people now in the world. The Lord has 
greatly blessed these doctrines and this discipline in 
three kingdoms : they must, therefore, be pleasing to 
him. If God does not acknowledge me in America I 
will soon return to England. I know my views are 
upright now ; may they never be otherwise ! 

How Employed. 

On the Lord's Day, September 22, I preached to the 
ship's company on John iii, 23, but, alas ! they were 
insensible creatures. My heart has been much pained 
on their account. I spent my time chiefly in retire- 
ment, in prayer, and in reading the Appeals, Mr. De 
Renty's life, part of Mr. Norris's Works, Mr. Edwards 
on the Work of God in New England, the Pilgrim's 



26 Character and Career of \_ l 77 l - 

Progress, the Bible, and Mr. Wesley's* Sermons. I 
feel a strong desire to be given up to God — body, 
soul, time, and talents — far more than heretofore. 

September 29. I preached to the ship's company 
again on these words, " To you is the word of this 
salvation sent." I felt some drawings of soul toward 
them, but saw no fruit. Yet still I must go on. 
While they will hear, I will preach as I have oppor- 
tunity. My judgment is with the Lord. I must 
keep in the path of duty. 

Asbnry's Trials on tie Voyage, 

October 13. Though it was very windy, I fixed my 
back against the mizzen mast and preached freely on 
those well-known words, 2 Cor. v, 20 : " Now then 
we are embassadors for Christ, as though God did 
beseech you by us : we pray you in Christ's stead, be 
ye reconciled to God." I felt the power of truth on 
my own soul, but still, alas ! saw no visible fruit ; but 
my witness is in heaven that I have not shunned to 
declare to them all the counsel of God. Many have 
been my trials in the course of this voyage from the 
want of a proper bed and proper provisions, from sick- 
ness, and from being surrounded with men and 
women ignorant of God and very wicked. But all 
this is nothing. If I cannot bear this, what have I 
learned ? O, I have reason to be much ashamed of 
many things which I speak and do before God and 
man. Lord, pardon my manifold defects and failures 
in duty. 
Pa.] He Lands in Philadelphia. 

October 27. This day we landed in Philadelphia, where 
we were directed to the house of one Mr. Francis Har- 



1 1 71.] Bishop Asbury Illustraied. 27 

ris, who kindly entertained us in the evening, and 
brought us to a large church where we met with a con- 
siderable congregation. Brother Pilmoor preached. 
The people looked on us with pleasure, hardly know- 
ing how to show their love sufficiently, bidding us 
welcome with fervent affection, and receiving us as 
angels of God. O that we may always walk worthy 
of the vocation wherewith we are called ! When I 
came near the American shore, my very heart melted 
within me to think from whence I came, where I was 
going, and what I was going about. But I felt my 
mind open to. the people, and my tongue loosed to 
speak. I feel that God is here, and find plenty of all 
we need. 

Asbury Preaches in Philadelphia. 
Tuesday, November 6. I preached at Philadelphia 
my last sermon before I set out for New York, on 
Romans viii, 32 : " He that spared not his own Son, 
but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with 
him freely give us all things ? " This also was a night 
of power to my own and many other souls. 

N, J,] Visits Burlington and Staten Island. 

November 7. I went to Burlington on my way to 
New York, and preached in the court-house to a 
large, serious congregation. Here also I felt my 
heart much opened. In the way from thence to New 
York I met with one P. Van Pelt, who had heard me 
preach at Philadelphia. After some conversation, he 
invited me to his house on Staten Island ; and as I 
was not engaged to be at New York on any particular 
day, I went with him and preached in his house. Still 
I believe God hath sent me to this country. All I seek 



28 Character and Career of \_ l 77 l > 

is to be more spiritual, and given up entirely to God — 
to be all devoted to him whom I love. 

Asbury Beaches New York. 

On Monday I set out for New York, and found 
Richard Boardman there in peace, but weak in body. 
Now I must apply myself to my old work — to watch, 
and fight, and pray. Lord, help ! 

Tuesday y 13. I preached at New York to a large 
congregation on 1 Cor. ii, 2 : " I determined not to 
know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and 
him crucified," with some degree of freedom in my 
own mind. I approved much of the spirit of the peo- 
ple ; they were loving and serious ; there appeared, 
also, in some a love of discipline. Though I was un- 
willing to go to New York so soon, I believe it is all 
well, and I still hope I am in the order of God. My 
friend B. is a kind, loving, worthy man, truly amiable 
and entertaining, and of a child-like temper. I pur- 
pose to be given up to God more and more, day by 
day. But O ! I come short. 

H". Y.] He is Fixed to the Methodist Plan. 

Tuesday, 20. I remain in New York, though unsat- 
isfied with our being both in town together. I have 
not yet the thing which I seek — a circulation of 
preachers, to avoid partiality and popularity. How- 
ever, I am fixed to the Methodist plan, and do what I 
do faithfully as to God. I expect trouble is at hand. 
This I expected when I left England, and I am will- 
ing to suffer, yea, to die, sooner than betray so good 
a cause by any means. It will be a hard matter to 
stand against all opposition, as an iron pillar, strong 



I77 1 -] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 29 

and steadfast as a wall of brass, but through Christ 
strengthening me, I can do all things. 

Thursday, 22. At present I am dissatisfied. I 
judge we are to be shut up in the cities this win- 
ter. My brethren seem unwilling to leave the cities, 
but I think I shall show them the way. I am in 
trouble, and more trouble is at hand, for I am deter- 
mined to make a stand against all partiality. I have 
nothing to seek but the glory of God, nothing to fear 
but his displeasure. I am come over with an upright 
intention, and through the grace of God I will make 
it appear, and I am determined that no man shall bias 
me with soft words and fair speeches, nor will I ever 
fear (the Lord helping me) the face of man, or know 
any man after the flesh, if I beg my bread from door 
to door ; but whomsoever I please or displease, I will 
be faithful to God, to the people, and to my own soul. 

Asbury's Trip to Westchester. 

Saturday, November 24. I went with Brother S. 
and Brother W. to Westchester, which is about 
twenty miles from New York. My friends waited on 
the mayor for the use of the court-house, which was 
readily granted. On the Lord's day morning, a con- 
siderable company being gathered together, I stood 
up in the Lord's power ; yea, I felt the Holy One was 
nigh. I judged that my audience needed to be taught 
the first principles of religion, so I spoke from those 
words, "Now he commandeth all men every-where to 
repent." Seriousness sat on the faces of my hearers 
and the power of God came both on me and them, 
while I labored to show them the nature and neces- 
sity of repentance, and the proper subjects and time 



30 Character and Career of [ l 77i- 

for it. In the afternoon the congregation was in- 
creased, both in number and seriousness ; some of 
the chief men of the town — the mayor and others — 
were present. I delivered my thoughts on those 
words, " This is his commandment, that we should 
believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and 
love one another." I felt warmth in my soul while I 
set forth the nature and necessity of faith, and much 
enlargement toward my hearers. In the evening I 
preached at one M.'s, at a place called West Farms, 
to many persons on the love of God. The next day 
I preached at Westchester again to a large company, 
and felt a sense of God resting on my heart, and 
much love to the people. Being detained another 
day by the roughness of the weather, I preached 
another sermon on this text : " Knowing therefore 
the terrors of the Lord, we persuade men." In the 
evening we went to the mayor's, where we lodged that 
night, and the next day at noon set out for New 
York. 

Asbury at New Eochelle. 
Tuesday, December 10. I rode to New Rochelle, 
and was received with great kindness by Mr. Deveau 
and his family, and preached there to a few. The 
next day, also, I preached to a large company and 
found liberty, and believe this power of God was 
among us. From thence I rode to Rye, where a few 
people were collected together to hear the word, and 
the next day preached to them again. On Sunday, 
14, I rode back to Eastchester and preached to a 
large company, and found some satisfaction in speak- 
ing on "The one thing needful." On the Lord's day 
I preached at New Rochelle in the church. My text 



1772.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 31 

was, " All have sinned, and come short of the glory 
of God." I felt an opening, and was satisfied. I 
published myself to preach again in the afternoon, 
and those who had most opposed me before came to 
hear, and behaved well. In the evening I preached in 
the house of my friend Mr. D. The next day I 
preached again at Mr. D.'s, and on Tuesday went to 
Rye, where I had many to hear, and felt some free- 
dom of spirit. The next day I preached at Mairnock, 
to a company of people who at first took but little 
notice of the worship of God ; but I trust some of 
them felt the power of truth in their hearts. On 
Thursday I returned to New York and found my 
friends in peace. 

Asbury Sick— Kindly Treated, 
Tuesday > the 21st, I preached at my friend D.'s for 
the last time on " Those things that ye have both 
learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do." 
The people seemed deeply affected under the word. 
In the morning of the 2 2d I set out for the New City, 
and preached there in much weakness and pain of body, 
and in the evening went to my friend P.'s. That 
night I had no rest, and when I arose in the morning 
the pain in my throat was worse. On the 23d I 
came in a covered sleigh to my friend B.'s, where I 
took up my lodging, being unable to go any further. 
I then applied to a physician, who made applications 
to my ears, throat, and palate, which were all swelled 
and inflamed exceedingly. For six or seven days I 
could neither eat nor drink without great pain. The 
physician feared I should be strangled before a dis- 
charge took place, but my God ordered all things 
well. I am raised up again, and cannot help remark- 



32 Character and Career of [ l 77 2 - 

ing the kindness with which my friends treated me 
as if I had been their own brother. The parents and 
children attended me day and night with the greatest 
attention. Thus, though a stranger in a strange land, 
God has taken care of me. May the Lord remember 
them that have remembered me, and grant to this 
family life for evermore ! 

Asbury in New York— Self-Consecration. 
On Friday, the 8th, I set out for New York in a 
sleigh, and my friends seemed glad to see me. I 
want to be less concerned about any thing except my 
own work — the salvation of souls. At present I seem 
determined to consecrate my all to God — body, soul, 
time, and talents. 

He Visits from House to House. 
On the Lord's Day found myself weak, but Brother 
P. being ill, I preached in the morning and found life. 
Stayed at home on Monday, and read in Mr. Wesley's 
Notes on the Old Testament. On Monday , the nth, 
I went to the jail and visited a condemned criminal, 
and preached to him and others with some tender 
feelings of mind on these words, "Joy shall be in 
heaven over one sinner that repenteth." Ttiesday y 
the 1 2th. This day I have visited many of my 
friends from house to house, and did not find much 
evil or much good stirring among them. Now I re- 
tire to hold communion with God and to feel his 
power. 

On Staten Island. 
On Thursday, the 20th, I gave an exhortation in 
public. Having a desire to visit my friends on Staten 
Island I set off in the afternoon of the 2ist, contrary 



1772.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 33 

to the persuasion of my friends in New York. S. S., 
who was tender toward me in my illness, and took 
care of me as if I had been his father, accompanied 
me. Justice W. received us and entertained us 
kindly, and though weak and weary, I preached at 
P. V. P.'s to a few persons with much satisfaction. 
Mr. D. invited me to preach in his house, to which I 
consented ; and Justice W. sent us there on the 
Lord's Day with several of his family. I preached 
twice at that gentleman's house to a large company. 
Some, it appears, had not heard a sermon for half a 
year; such a famine there is of the word in these 
parts, and a still greater one of the pure word. I re- 
turned in the evening to Justice W.'s, and preached 
to a numerous congregation with comfort. Surely 
God sent me to these people at the first, and I trust 
he will continue to bless them, and pour out his spirit 
upon them, and receive them at last to himself! 
February 23, I preached again at Justice W.'s to many 
people, and the Lord was with me. My labors in- 
crease, and my strength is renewed. Though I came 
here weak, yet after preaching three times I felt my- 
self strong. Thanks be to God who hath raised me 
up from so low a state ! On the 24th I preached at 

A. W.'s, at two in the afternoon, to a large company, 
and had an invitation to go to the south part of the 
Island ; in the evening, also, I preached at the same 
place; On the 26th I preached at the ferry, on my 
way to York, to a few people, though some came two 
miles on foot. 

Pa,] Asbuiy in Philadelphia, 

April 2. I came to Philadelphia, and finding Brother 

B. and Brother W. there, was much comforted. 

3 



34 Character and Career of [ l 77 2 . 

Brother B.'s plan was, that he should go to Boston, 
Brother P. to Virginia, Brother W. to New York, and 
that I should stay three months in Philadelphia. 
With this I was well pleased. 

Del.] Asbnry in Wilmington. 

Tuesday ', 13. Was advised and invited to preach at 
Wilmington, which I did, though there were but few 
to hear. 

Wednesday, 14. Rode to Chester, and preached in 
the court-house. The Church minister and many 
Quakers were present, but the congregation appeared 
to be the wildest I had seen in America. But I hum- 
bly hope the labor was not all in vain. In the morn- 
ing I visited and spoke with great freedom to four 
men who were under sentence of death. 

Pa.] Keturns to Philadelphia. 

Thursday, 15. I rode through a heavy rain to Phil- 
adelphia, and preached the next morning with some 
freedom. 

Tuesday, 20. My mind is quiet and serene. I am 
now free from company, which is very pleasing to me, 
having found that much company is both disagreeable 
and dangerous. 

Wednesday, 21. Met the society and found both life 
and liberty among the people. This night Brother 
W. came in from Virginia. He gives a flaming ac- 
count of the work there. Many of the people seem 
to be ripe for the Gospel and ready to receive us. I 
humbly hope, before long, about seven preachers of 
us will spread seven or eight hundred miles, and 
preach in as many places as we are able to attend. 



1 77 2 -] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 35 

Lord, make us humble, watchful, and useful to the 
end of our lives ! 

Asbury not to be Guided by Half-hearted Methodists. 
Tuesday, 28. I intended to go out of town, but 
could not get a horse. So I stayed for Brother W. 
and heard that many were offended at my shutting 
them out of society meeting, as they had been greatly 
indulged before. But this does . not trouble me. 
While I stay the rules must be attended to, and I can- 
not suffer myself to be guided by half-hearted Meth- 
odists. An elderly Friend told me very gravely that 
"the opinion of the people was much changed, within 
a few days, about Methodism, and that the Quakers 
and other dissenters had laxed their discipline ; that 
none but the Roman Catholics kept it up with strict- 
ness." But these things do not move me. 

H". J,] Again in Burlington. 

Wednesday, 29. Set out for Burlington, where I 
met with Brother W. and Brother K., and found the 
people there very lively. Two persons have obtained 
justification under Brother W., and a certain Dr. T., 
a man of dissipation, was touched under Brother B.'s 
preaching last night. I admire the kindness of my 
friends to such a poor worm as I. O my God ! re- 
member them ! remember me ! 

Thursday, 30. I humbly hope the word was blessed 
to a large number of people who attended while I 
preached at the court-house. 

Pa.] Execution at Chester. 

Set out for Philadelphia, but about a mile from the 
city found that the bridge could not be crossed on 



36 Character and Career of [ l 77 2 - 

horseback, so I left my horse and walked to the ferry. 
Brother W. took the horse and went to Burlington on 
his way to New York. Was desired to attend the 
execution of the prisoners at Chester, and J. K. went 
with me. We found them penitent, and two of the 
four obtained peace with God, and seemed very thank- 
ful. I preached with liberty to a great number of 
people under the jail wall. The sheriff was friendly 
and very kind. J. K. preached at the gallows to a 
vast multitude, after which I prayed with them. The 
executioner pretended to tie them all up, but only 
tied one, and let the rest fall. One of them was a 
young man about fifteen. We saw them all afterward, 
and exhorted them to be careful. We returned to 
Philadelphia the same night, and I gave an exhortation. 

U. J,] Asbnry Visits Prisoners at Burlington, 

Tuesday, May 5. Set out for Burlington again, and 
preached to a serious people. But how is my soul 
troubled that I am not more devoted ! O my God ! 
my soul groans and longs for this. 

May 6. My heart was much humbled, but the Lord 
enabled me to preach with power in my soul. 

Thicrsday, 7. Visited some prisoners, and one of 
them, who is to be tried for his life, seemed much af- 
fected. In the evening I preached, and felt my heart 
much united to this people. Next morning set off 
for Philadelphia, and got in time enough for inter- 
cession, after which I visited a sick friend who rested 
her soul on God, and then I preached in the evening. 

At Trenton. 
Wednesday, 20. Went to Trenton ; but as the court 
was sitting, I was obliged to preach in a school-house 



I77 2 -] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 37 

to but few people ; and as there were soldiers in the 
town I could hardly procure lodging. 

Asbury Warns the People at an Execution. 
Friday, 29. I preached under the jail wall ; and for 
the benefit of the prisoner, attended him to the 
place of execution. When he came forth, he roared 
like a bull in a net. He looked on every side, and 
shrieked for help ; but all in vain. O how awful ! 
Die he must — I fear, unprepared. I prayed with 
him, and for him. How difficult it is (if I may use 
the term) to drench a hardened sinner with religion ! 
I saw him tied up ; and then, stepping on a wagon, I 
spoke a word in season, and warned the people to flee 
from the wrath to come, and improve the day of their 
gracious visitation, no more grieving the Spirit of 
God, lest a day should come in which they may cry, 
and God may refuse to hear them. We then rode 
home to Philadelphia, where I exhorted. in the even- 
ing, and found myself much more drawn out than I 
expected. 

Begging Money— Church Debt. 

Thursday y 25. Traveling back toward Gloucester, 
called at 'Squire P.'s and presented him with a peti- 
tion for raising ,£150 to discharge the debt on our 
preaching-house at Philadelphia. He promised both 
to give himself, and to propose it to others. 

" Still as a Dumb Man." 
yuly 1. Went over the ferry and preached to 
many people ; among whom were some fine women, 
who behaved with airs of great indifferency. Return- 



38 Character and Career of \. l 77 2 - 

ing to Trenton, I preached at night, and the next 
morning at five, after which I set off for Philadelphia 
with unprofitable company ; among whom I sat still 
as a man dumb, and as one in whose mouth there was 
no reproof. They appeared so stupidly ignorant, 
skeptical, deistical, and atheistical, that I thought if 
there were no other hell, I should strive with all my 
might to shun that. Came home late and weary, 
but preached with some comfort. I have lately been 
blessed with much purity of intention and fervor of 
spirit, but greatly thirst after living more in God. 

U. Y.] Asbury Journeys to Hew York. 

Wednesday, yuly 22. In meeting the small society 
of about nineteen persons I gave them tickets, and 
found it a comfortable time. They are a serious 
people ; and there is some prospect of much good 
being done in this place. After preaching on Tues- 
day morning over the ferry, and in the evening at 
Trenton, I took leave of them on Wednesday morn- 
ing, and set off for Philadelphia. Left Philadelphia 
on the Lord's day evening, after preaching on these 
words, " If I come again, I will not spare ; " and on 
Monday met with Brother B. Went thence to New- 
mills, where I preached on Tuesday night and Wed- 
nesday morning, and found the people there very 
affectionate ; then returned to Burlington, and found 
many friends from Philadelphia. We had power 
among us at night, and next morning at three I set 
off for Amboy, and on the way had some conversa- 
tion with one of Jacob B.'s disciples. We came to 
the stage-house through much rain and bad roads, 
about seven o'clock ; thence we went to Amboy, and 



l 77 2 -] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 39 

took lodging at a tavern. Have been kept in peace 
through this journey, felt great courage in the work 
of God, and go toward New York in faith. The con- 
gregation at Amboy was small, and they appeared to 
be such as cared but little for the Gospel ; so that 
my hope of that place is but slender. On Saturday 
evening I preached with some power to a large con- 
gregation of rich and poor, from these words, " Even 
from the days of your fathers, ye have gone away 
from mine ordinances, and have not kept them ; 
return unto me, and I will return unto you." After 
preaching with great liberty on the Lord's day to 
many people at P. V.'s and Justice W.'s on Staten 
Island, I set off on Monday in a boat for New York ; 
and arriving about five o'clock, found Mr. W., who 
that night had preached his farewell sermon, and told 
the people that he did not expect to see them any 
more. I have always dealt honestly with him, but 
he has been spoiled by gifts. He has been pretty 
strict in the society, but ended all with a general love- 
feast, which I think is undoing all he has done. 
However, none of these things move me. My mind 
is calm, and # my soul under a comfortable sense of 
God ; and I am determined, by his grace, to keep on 
in the way of my duty, if it should be my lot to stand 
alone. 

A Mixed Company. 
Monday, 25. Early in the morning we crossed the 
North River, in order to go to Staten Island. Many 
people attended the word, but I know not what to 
make of them ; for though they seem fond of hearing, 
yet they do not appear to be much affected. On 
Tuesday I went to Amboy, and dined with a mixed 



40 Character and Career of [ l 77 2 - 

company of Assemblymen, Churchmen, Quakers, etc. 
Many of them came to hear me in sport, but went 
away very still. On my return I preached at Mr. 
W.'s, to many people ; on Thursday returned to 
York, and preached in the evening with some life. 
Friday my soul was kept in peace and love ; and 
while preaching at night, both myself and others felt 
the power of God in our souls. 

Asbury Eesolves to be a Disciplinarian. 

Thursday y 10. Mr. D. accompanied me as far as 
Kingsbridge, on my way to York, where S. S. met 
me, and rode with me the rest of the way. 

I preached in the evening, and rose to preach next 
morning at five. It appears to me that trouble is at 
hand ; but I fear nothing, being conscious of having 
acted uprightly before them all, and having no by- 
ends in view. Whoever has, must answer for it. 
Whatever comes, I am determined, while here, by 
the grace of God, to proceed according to the Meth- 
odist doctrine and discipline. 

Plan of a Sermon on the Judgment. 
Lords Day, 27. Preaching this morning on " build- 
ing the tower/' I had some assistance ; but experi- 
enced some heavy exercises of mind this day. In 
the evening I was enabled to preach with power on 
the awful subject of the judgment ; attempting, 

I. To prove that the judgment will be universal. 

II. To describe the person of the Judge. 

III. To describe the awful events preceding and 
attending that period. 

IV. To point out the business of the day. 

V. To show the decision and consequences. 



I 77 2 -] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 41 

Asbury receives a Letter from Mr, Wesley. 
Saturday, 10. I received a letter from Mr. Wesley, 
in which he required a strict attention to discipline, 
and appointed me to act as assistant. He also en- 
joined that Mr. W. might not print any more books 
without his consent. I likewise received a letter 
from Mr. W., ipforming me of the state of matters in 
Maryland, and that it was appointed for me to win- 
ter there. For this I intend to prepare. 

N. JO In Trenton and Burlington. 

Thursday, October 22. In the morning I preached 
over the river, and in the evening at Trenton, with 
some assistance. And many young people attended. 

Saturday, 24. Leaving my horse at Bristol, I went 
to Burlington ; and on the Lord's day my spirit was 
much dejected, though in preaching I felt greatly 
assisted, and Divine truth reached the hearts of the 
people. 

In Philadelphia. 

Monday, 26. After preaching at five, I left them, 
and preached in the evening at Philadelphia. All 
things considered, the people here seemed to be quiet 
and in good order. 

Del.] Asbury Visits Prisoners— Keflections. 

On Tuesday, preached both morning and evening. 
R. S. and myself set out on Wednesday for Bohemia, 
and on our way we found a few friends at Newcastle 
that had not deserted the cause. In this journey I 
called at Chester jail, and saw the prisoners, who all 
seemed hardened to a man, and among them were the 
wretched three that I saw escape the gallows before ; 
two of these had behaved so badly they were now in 



42 Character and Career of [ l 7/2. 

chains. Lord, what is man ! And what am I with- 
out thy grace ! Keep me, keep me, holy Lord, and 
never let me go ! Let me die rather than live to sin 
against thee ! I spoke freely to one of them, who was 
a murderer. 

McU Description of Frederica. 

Thursday, 19. Friend D. and I set off for Frederica. 
We came to G. S.'s, where I expected to have 
preached, but there was a disappointment ; so we 
pursued our way, though my little horse was unwell 
and very weary. A poor, unhappy man abused me 
much on the road ; he cursed, swore, and threw 
stones at me. But I found it my duty to talk to him, 
and show him his danger. Frederica is a neat little 
town, having one main street and three cross streets. 
It contains about a thousand houses, and the inhab- 
itants are chiefly Germans. There are two German 
churches, one Calvinist, and one Lutheran. There 
is also one English church, and one Roman chapel. 
Many people came to hear me in this town. 

Tlie "Forest Home" for the Methodist. 
Wednesday, 25. We rode about twenty miles to my 
old friend Joshua Owing's, the forest-home for the 
Methodists at that time, and found a very agreeable 
house and family. The old man is "'an Israelite in- 
deed." He was once a serious Churchman, who 
sought for truth ; and now God has revealed it to 
him. The Lord has also begun to bless his family. 
He has one son a preacher, and the rest of his chil- 
dren are very thoughtful. Though it was a rainy 
day, there were many people, and my heart was 
greatly enlarged toward them in preaching. 



1 77 2 -] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 43 

Asbuiy in Contact with a Church Minister. 

Wednesday, 9. Preached to many people, rich and 
poor, at J. R.'s, and at another place in the evening. 

Friday \ 11. Went twelve miles into Kent county, 
and had many great people to hear me. But before 
preaching, one Mr. R., a Church minister, .came to me 
and desired to know who I was, and whether I was 
licensed. I told him who I was. He spoke great, 
swelling words, and told me he had authority over the 
people, and was charged with the care of their souls. 
He also told me that I could not and should not 
preach ; and if I did, he would proceed against me 
according to law. I let him know that I came to 
preach, and preach I would ; and further asked him 
if he had authority to bind the consciences of the peo- 
ple, or if he was a justice of the peace ; and told 
him I thought he had nothing to do with me. He 
charged me with making a schism. I told him that 
I did not draw the people from the Church ; and 
asked him if his church was then open ? He told 
me that I hindered people from their work ; but I 
asked him if fairs and horse-races did not hinder 
people from their work ? and, further, told him that I 
came to help him. He said he had not hired me 
for an assistant, and did not want my help. I 
told him, if there were no swearers or other sinners, 
he was sufficient. But, said he, What did you come 
for ? I replied, to turn sinners to God. He said, Can- 
not I do that as well as you ? I told him that I had 
authority from God. He then laughed at me, and 
said, You are a fine fellow, indeed ! I told him I did 
not do this to invalidate his authority ; and also gave 



44 Character and Career of \_ l 77 2 - 

him to understand that I did not wish to dispute 
with him ; but he said he had business with me, and 
came into the house in a great rage. I began to 
preach, and urged the people to repent, and turn from 
all their transgressions, so iniquity should not prove 
their ruin. After preaching, the parson went out, and 
told the people they did wrong in coming to hear me, 
and said I spoke against learning. Whereas, I only 
spoke to this purpose — when a man turned from all 
sin, he would adorn every character in life, both in 
Church and State. I left him, and preached at John 
R.'s at seven o'clock. 

Outline of a. Sermon at Quarterly Meeting. 

Tuesday, 22. On my way to Susquehanna, a person 
came for me to visit Mrs. T. in a dropsy. I then 
proceeded to J. D/s ; and the next day set off for J. 
P.'s, to attend our quarterly meeting. Many people 
attended, and several friends came many miles. I 
preached from Acts xx, 28 : " Take heed, therefore, 
unto yourselves," etc. After showing to whom the 
charge was given, I proceeded to enforce the subject 
thus : 

I. Take heed to your spirits. 

II. Take heed to your practice. 

III. Take heed to your doctrine. 

IV. Take heed to the flock. 

1. Those that are under deep conviction. 

2. Those that are true believers. 

3. Those that are sorely tempted. 

4. Those that are groaning for full redemption. 

5. Those that have backslidden. 

I then urged the motives to this duty. 



1 77 3-1 Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 45 

Asbury in Baltimore. 
January 3. Rode to Baltimore, and had a large 
congregation at the house of Captain Paten, at the 
Point. Many of the principal people were there, and 
the Lord enabled me to speak with power. At night 
I preached in town. The house was well filled with 
people, and we have a comfortable hope the work of 
the Lord will revive in this place. Bless the Lord, 
O ye saints ! Holiness is the element of my soul. 
My earnest prayer is, that nothing contrary to holi- 
ness may live in me. 

The Doctrine of Perfect Love— Its Tendency. 
Lord's Day, January 10. Many people attended at 
J. P/s, to whom I preached twice with some life, and 
then went three miles into the Neck, and felt much 
power while preaching on perfect love. The more I 
speak on this subject, the more my soul is filled and 
drawn out in love. This doctrine has a great tend- 
ency to prevent people from settling on their lees. 

Preaches at a Tavern, 

Saturday, 30. Perceiving the great wickedness of 
the people who were swearing and drinking in a tav- 
ern, great struggles arose in my mind about preach- 
ing there ; however I broke through every difficulty, 
ann felt both life and power in dispensing the word 
among them. 

An Old-fashioned Quarterly Meeting. 

Monday, 29. Rode twenty miles to Susquehanna, 
and just got in, almost spent, time enough to preach 
at three o'clock. Hitherto the Lord hath helped me. 
Praised forever be his dear and blessed name ! 



46 Character and Career of [ I 773« 

Tuesday, 30. Our quarterly meeting began. After 
I had preached we proceeded to business, and in our 
little conference the following queries were pro- 
pounded, namely : 

1. Are there no disorderly persons in our classes ? 
It was thought not. 

2. Does not dram-drinking too much prevail among 
our people ? 

3. Do none contract debts without due care to pay 
them? We found that this evil is much avoided 
among our people. 

4. Are the band-meetings kept up ? 

5. Is there nothing immoral in any of our preach- 
ers ? 

6. What preachers travel now, and where are they 
stationed ? It was then urged that none must break 
our rules under the penalty of being excluded from our 
connection. All was settled in the most amicable 
manner. Mr. S. preached a good and useful sermon 
from Joel ii, 17, "Let the priests, the ministers of the 
Lord, weep between the porch and the altar," etc. 
Many people were present at our love-feast, among 
whom were some strangers ; but all were deeply 
serious, and the power of God was present indeed. 
Brother O. preached a very alarming sermon, and 
Brother S. gave a moving exhortation. The whole 
ended in great peace. And we all went, in the 
strength of the Lord, to our several appointments. 

Asbury at Baltimore. 
Saturday, 3. Preached at Baltimore, where we had 
a comfortable meeting. Lord's Day, 4. I delivered a 
funeral discourse, but was much shut up in my mind. 



1 773.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 47 

Went thence to the Forest, and preached at seven 
o'clock with great comfort. Several rich people at- 
tended preaching the last three days, and did not 
seem displeased with the plain truths of the Gospel. 
One or two persons here seem to be groaning for full 
redemption. My heart is grieved that I have not 
been entirely devoted to God, but have great reason 
to be thankful that I feel more and more desire after 
God. 
Pa.] Asbury in Philadelphia. 

Wednesday, 14. Came very weary to Philadelphia, 
but the sight of my friends greatly revived me, and 
all seem to be in peace. 

Tuesday proved to be a day of peace to my soul, 
part of which I spent in visiting the people. The 
next day I was employed in writing to England, and 
after preaching in the evening with power, I went to 
rest in sweet peace, and awoke in the morning in the 
same frame of spirit. May this day be spent to the 
glory of God, and may my soul yet praise him more 
and more ! 
U. Y.] In New York. 

On Thursday there was an appointment for me to 
preach at Newtown. Brother S. and myself crossed 
the East River, but it was with difficulty we obtained 
horses. We then attempted to proceed on our way, 
but it was a severe morning, with much snow and 
wind. The snow came full in our faces, so that after 
riding a few miles we were lost in the storm, and im- 
perceptibly turned our course back toward New York, 
which we never discovered till we overtook some 
people on the road. We then crossed the river back 
to the city, where I continued till Monday. 



48 Character and Career of \_ l 773- 

Asbury's Description of Uew York City. 
New York is a large city, and well situated for 
trade ; but the streets and buildings are very irregular. 
The inhabitants are of various denominations, but 
nevertheless of a courteous and sociable disposition. 
There are several places of divine worship : the Epis- 
copalians have three, the High Dutch one, the Low 
Dutch three, the Lutherans two, the French Prot- 
estants one, the Presbyterians two, the Seceders one, 
the Baptists one, the Moravians one, the Methodists 
one, and the Jews one. The city abounds with inhab- 
itants, but the exact number I could not ascertain. 

U. J.] In Uew Jersey. 

From Saturday, 17, till Thursday \ 22, was spent 
in the Jerseys, where I preached at different places, 
and often to large congregations. The Lord was 
frequently with me in mercy and power, and my 
heart was greatly enlarged. How I long to be more 
holy — to live more with God, and for God ! Troubles 
encompass me about, but the Lord is my helper. 
Before my return to Philadelphia I had the pleasure 
of seeing the foundation laid of a new preaching- 
house, thirty-five feet by thirty. Then I returned 
and preached on Thursday evening, the Lord being 
with me. 
Pa,] A Letter from Mr. Wesley. 

Thursday, 6. After spending a few days in a coun- 
try tour, preaching to many people at Goshen, Marl- 
borough, and other places with some assistance, I 
returned and preached in Philadelphia this evening, on 
the subject of the stony-ground hearers. Some per- 
haps were displeased with me. But I must declare 



1 773-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 49 

the whole counsel of God, and leave the event to him. 
This day a letter from Mr. Wesley came to hand, 
dated March 2, in which he informs me that the time 
of his coming over to America is not yet, being 
detained by the building of the new chapel. 



Has a Christian a Bad Heart ? 
Thursday, 13. Through much rain I returned, wet 
and weary, to Philadelphia, after having preached at 
several places in the Jerseys, and sometimes with 
much freedom and power. Many people attended 
this evening, while I described an honest and good 
heart, under the similitude of the good ground which 
received the seed and brought forth fruit. This was 
free from the hardness of the way-side, from the shal- 
lowness of the stony ground, and from the obstruc- 
tions of the thorny ground. The honesty of the 
heart appears in its conduct toward God, toward all 
mankind, and toward itself. As our Lord is pleased 
to denominate such a heart good as well as honest, is 
it not very wrong for a Christian to say he has a bad 
heart? Is not all that the Holy Ghost produces 
good? And so far as that blessed Spirit has changed 
the heart of a believer, is it not good? Through the 
unmerited grace of God I have no desire to seek any 
thing but him, and that which may lead me to 
him. 

N. J.] Asbury in Burlington. 

Lord's Day, 6. After preaching both yesterday and 
this morning at Burlington, I went to church in 
order to receive the sacrament. But the parson gave 
us a strange discourse, full of inconsistency and rail- 



50 Character and Career of [ l 773- 

lery. Leaving him to answer for his own conduct, I 
took no further notice of it, but preached at night 
from these words, " The natural man receiveth not the 
things of the Spirit of God," etc., and showed, first, 
what the things of the Spirit of God are. Secondly, 
described the natural man. And, thirdly, showed 
how they appear to be foolishness to him, and that he 
cannot know them by the strength of his natural or 
acquired abilities. The little society in Burlington 
appears to be in a comfortable and prosperous state. 
On my way to Trenton I met A. W. on the road. 
We stopped at a house, and in the course of conver- 
sation I found he was much dejected in his mind, 
but before we parted he appeared to be somewhat 
comforted. Many people attended the preaching at 
Trenton, though the notice was but short. 

K Y.] Asbury in Hew York. 

Friday > 1 1. Mr. R. came to Trenton. After dinner 
and prayer we set off together for Princeton. On 
Saturday we reached New York, and our friends 
there, having previous notice of our coming, kindly 
met us on the dock where we landed. The sight of 
Mr. W., with some other occurring circumstances, 
affected Mr. R. so that he appeared to be rather cast 
down in his mind. 

On Stateu Island. 

Saturday, 26. Having preached a few times in 
New York since my return, I set off for Staten Island, 
but the heat was so extremely powerful that I stopped 
at my old friend J. W.'s, and on the Lord ' s Day heard 
Mr. P., a Presbyterian minister, preach twice, but 



1 773-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 51 

thought he was too metaphysical and superficial. In 
the evening I preached in Mr. W/s yard, from Heb. 
v, 12 : " Ye have need that one teach you again which 
be the first principles of the oracles of God." My 
mind is filled with the peace of God, and is drawn 
out in love to him and all mankind. Blessed be the 
Lord! 

Destruction of Mr. Whitefield's Orphan House. 
Thursday, yuly 1. Set off for New York, and hav- 
ing a tedious passage over the North River, I spent 
some time in serious conversation with two men in 
the boat, and hope it was not in vain. Then I came 
safe to New York, and preached from Habakkuk 
iii, 2 : " O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the 
years ! " On Friday arrived the sorrowful news of the 
destruction of Mr. Whitefield's Orphan House. As 
there was no fire in the house, it was supposed to 
have been set on fire by lightning, which had been in 
the morning, as some say, accompanied with a sul- 
phurous smell. It broke out in a rapid flame about 
seven or eight o'clock at night, and consumed the 
whole building except the two wings. 

Pa.] A General Conference. 

Wednesday, 14. Our General Conference began, in 
which the following propositions were agreed to : 

1. The old Methodist doctrine and discipline shall 
be enforced and maintained among all our societies in 
America. 

2. Any preacher who acts otherwise cannot be re- 
tained among us as a fellow-laborer in the vineyard. 

3. No preacher in our connection shall be permit- 
ted to administer the ordinances at this time except 



52 Character and Career of [ l 773* 

Mr. S., and he under the particular direction of the 
assistant. 

4. No person shall be admitted more than once or 
twice to our love-feasts or society-meetings without 
becoming a member. 

5. No preacher shall be permitted to reprint our 
books without the approbation of Mr. Wesley, and 
the consent of his brethren. And that R. W. shall 
be allowed to sell what he has, but reprint no more. 

6. Every assistant is to send an account of the work 
of God in his circuit to the general assistant. 

There were some debates anlong the preachers in 
this Conference relative to the conduct of some who 
had manifested a desire to abide in cities and live like 
gentlemen. Three years out of four have been already 
spent in *the cities. It was also found that money 
had been wasted, improper leaders appointed, and 
many of our rules broken. 

Del.] The People of Newcastle. 

On Monday, Brother Y. rode in company with me 
to Mr. S.'s, where I preached with sweet freedom to a 
few attentive people. We took friendly counsel to- 
gether, and our time was profitably and comfortably 
spent. On Tuesday morning my heart was still with 
the Lord, and my peace flowed as a river. Glory be 
given to God ! On Wednesday, at Newcastle, the 
company was but small, though great power attended 
the word. Perhaps the Lord will yet visit this peo- 
ple, though at present too many of them appear to be 
devoted to pride, vanity, and folly. But, through 
abundant mercy, my heart is devoted to God and to 
his work. O that it may never depart from him ! 






I 773-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 53 

Md.] Great Hope for Baltimore. . 

On Wednesday I set out for Baltimore, but was 
taken very sick on the road ; however, I pursued my 
way, though it was sometimes through hard rain and 
heavy thunder, and preached in Baltimore on Thurs- 
day, in Mrs. Tribulet's new house, which she freely 
lent for that purpose. There appeared to be a con- 
siderable moving under the word. After preaching 
the next morning at the Point, I went to see a woman 
once happy in several respects, but now under dis- 
tressing circumstances. Her husband was driven 
from her, and she was left with four children for three 
months. 

Many people in general attend the preaching in 
Baltimore, especially after we have been long enough 
in town for the inhabitants to receive full knowledge 
of our being there. And I have great hope that the 
Lord will do something for the souls in this place, 
though the little society has been rather neglected 
for want of proper persons to lead them. 

An Imputation Hurled Back. 
Saturday, 25. While preaching to a large company 
at Mr. Gibbs's we had a moving, melting time. 
After preaching at nine o'clock the next morning at 
the same place I went to church, and thought the 
minister intended to point at me by speaking against 
idleness, and people who follow an unwarrantable 
employment, and doing what they have no business 
with. But, can any employment be more unwarrant- 
able than the charge of souls without any real con- 
cern for their salvation ? And, bad as idleness is, it is 
far preferable to leading immortal souls astray. The 



54 Character and Career of I 1 773- 

world can judge whether he is most like an idle man 
who reads a dry harangue every Lord's day, or he 
who toils and labors both day and night to save the 
souls of men. But these things I leave with the 
Lord. Many people attended my preaching in the 
evening, while I took occasion, from 2 Cor. v, 20, 
to show, among other things, the evangelical mission 
and life of a true embassador of Christ. 



A Painful Prospect. 

Thursday, 30. Though very weak and low, the 
Lord favored me with a good opportunity, life, and 
liberty, at Daniel Ruff's. 

Friday, Oct. 1. I was exceedingly ill at Mr. D.'s ; 
and now began to think my traveling would be inter- 
rupted. This is my greatest trouble and pain, to 
forsake the work of God, and to neglect the people, 
whose spiritual interest and salvation I seek with my 
whole soul. The next day, finding myself too weak 
to travel, I sent Brother E. in my place ; and must 
content myself to abide here awhile, where they treat 
me with the greatest care and kindness. My present 
purpose is, if the Lord spares and raises me up, to be 
more watchful and circumspect in all my ways. O 
Lord, remember me in mercy, and brace up my 
feeble soul ! 

Asbury fiaised Up from the Borders of Death. 
Wednesday, &<My disorder has increased, and for 
several days my indisposition has been so great that 
I kept no journal. My friends wept around, and ex- 
pected my j dissolution was near. But the Lord 
thought on both them and me, to raise me up from 



I 773-] Bishop As bury Illustrated. 55 

the borders of death. O that my few remaining days 
may be spent to his glory ! — that every valuable end 
may be answered by my future life ! 

Preaches after a Month's Intermission. 
Monday, 15. Found myself much better in health, 
and concluded to set off on my Master's business as 
soon as I should be properly equipped. On Thurs- 
day my heart was fixed, trusting in the Lord ; and 
as my body was gathering strength, I set out on 
Monday for Baltimore, and on Friday reached Will- 
iam Lynch' s, who entertained me with the greatest 
kindness. Here I had the pleasure of seeing our 
new church begun on Back-river Neck. The next 
day he conducted me in his carriage to the Point, 
where I was enabled to preach with some power. 
Then returned to the Neck, and met with Mr. J. He 
heard the word of God with great freedom of mind ; 
and I believe his false peace was broken. My spirit 
was greatly refreshed by meeting Brother Y. at 
Baltimore on Monday ; and the next day I was 
much assisted in preaching to a large number of 
people in town, both rich and poor. May the Lord 
arise and show himself gracious to these people ! 
Through abundant grace I feel nothing contrary to 
the purest intention, nor the least desire for any 
thing but God. Bless the Lord, O my soul ! 

Quarterly Conference— Arrangement for the Work. 

Lord's Day, 30. It appears that the people have a 

great desire to know the truth ; for though it rained, 

and froze as it fell, yet a great many attended to 

hear. It was a very solemn time at night, while I 



56 Character and Career of \M7A* 

discoursed on the awful day of judgment. Samuel 
Owings is tenderly affected for the salvation of his 
soul. And William Moore and Philip Rogers seem 
to be in earnest about this important matter. Glory 
to God for these things ! Set out on Monday for our 
quarterly meeting, and met the preachers at Brother 
Owings's. They all appeared to have their hearts 
fixed on promoting the work of God for the ensuing 
quarter, and we consulted together with great free- 
dom and love. On the first day I inquired into the 
moral character of the local preachers, appointed 
them their work, and gave them written licenses to 
officiate. The preachers who spoke at this meeting 
manifested great earnestness and zeal for the salva- 
tion of souls, and many of the people were much 
affected ; all was harmony and love. For the next 
quarter we had our stations as follows : P. Eberd, 
E. Drumgoole, and Richard Owings in Frederick 
circuit ; Brother Yerbery and Brother Rawlings in 
Kent circuit ; Henry Watters and Brother W. in 
Baltimore circuit ; and myself in Baltimore town. 
We appointed our next quarterly meeting to be held 
in Baltimore on the first day of May next. Much 
fatigued in my feeble frame by various exercise, I 
returned to town and visited Mrs. Moore, who was 
afflicted in body and distressed in mind. 

Asbury's Solicitude for Baltimore. 

Friday, Feb. 1 8. While preaching at the house of Mr. 
Moore, his father and mother were moved by the word 
of God. But after lying down at night to rest, my 
heart was oppressed with inexpressible feelings for 
the inhabitants of Baltimore. I am pressed under 



1 774.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 57 

them as a cart full of sheaves, and would rather be 
employed in the most servile offices than preach to 
them, if it were not from a sense of duty to God, and 
a desire to be instrumental in saving their souls. If 
honor and worldly gain were held out as motives to 
this painful work, they would to me appear lighter 
than vanity. But, Lord, thou knowest my motives 
and my ends ! O prosper thou the work of my heart 
and my hands ! 

A Champion in Sin "Wounded by the Spirit. 

Tuesday, March 1. Several went with me to John 
Waters' s, where we found a large company of peo- 
ple collected, who appeared both ignorant and proud. 
While attempting to preach to them from these 
words, " May we know what this new doctrine, 
whereof thou speakest, is ? " my mind was oppressed 
above measure, so that both my heart and my 
mouth were almost shut ; and after I had done, my 
spirit was greatly troubled. O my soul ! if confined 
to the society of the wicked, what couldst thou find 
but vexation and grief? But " where the Spirit of 
the Lord is, there is liberty. ,, Having frequently 
sixteen or twenty miles to ride, and then to preach 
before dinner, which is often as late as four o'clock, it 
shakes my constitution, and is painful to the flesh. 
But I cheerfully submit to these things for the sake 
of precious souls. What did the blessed Jesus suffer 
for me ! The next day a champion in sin, a man 
who had been a famous ringleader in absurd and dia- 
bolical sports, was deeply wounded by the Spirit of 
God, while in the course of my sermon I was describ- 
ing the horrible torments to which those would be 



I 

58 Character and Career of [ l 774- 

exposed in hell who had been instruments in the 
hands of Satan to train up others in sin and disobedi- 
ence. He afterward invited me home, and we had 
some serious conversation. I then returned to Bal- 
timore. 

Using the Ordinances. 
Friday, 11. On my way to Joseph Presbury's my 
horse tired, and fell down with me on his back, but 
I was not in the least hurt. Calling at Dr. Hender- 
son's, I met with I. R., a Quaker, who said it gave 
him pain to think that Joseph Pilmoor should go 
home for ordination, and expressed his disapprobation 
of our going to the Church for the ordinances, sup- 
posing we might have them among ourselves. But 
this was all a farce. He would rather that we 
should drop them altogether. And in the course of 
conversation he labored to overthrow them entirely. 
But when I told him it might appear to me as a duty 
to use them, though I should not suppose that all 
went to hell who did not use them, he asked why 
we use them if they are not essential to salvation. 
What weak reasoning is this ! Do they think laying 
them aside is thus essential, or wearing their clothes 
in such a shape, or using (as they call it) the plain 
language ? Why then do they follow these practices ? 
But what makes them so contracted and bitter in 
their spirit as some of them are ? There is One that 
knoweth. 

Hopeful of Baltimore. 
Monday, 18. My soul was in peace, but my body 
weak. This day the foundation of our house in Bal- 
timore was laid. Who could have expected that two 
men, once among the chief of sinners, would ever 



1 774.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 59 

have thus engaged in so great an undertaking for the 
cause of the blessed Jesus ? " This is the Lord's 
doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes." He hath 
touched and changed their hearts. He hath moved 
them to this acceptable undertaking ; and he will 
surely complete it, and raise up a people to serve 
him in this place. 

* The Kevelation of St. John. 

Saturday, 23. Though weak in body, I have been 
able for a few days past to go through my public ex- 
ercises, and was both instructed and delighted to-day 
in reading the Revelation with its comment. There 
we see the rise and spread of the Christian religion 
through the extensive and idolatrous empire of the 
Romans, the wars of the Saracens, the gradual 
rise and artful progress of Popery. What an amaz- 
ing prophetic history is this, of all people and nations, 
in epitome ! How expressive are the differently- 
colored horses and surprising representations seen 
by St. John ! In this book extraordinary events are 
foretold, as well as the proper rule of our faith and 
practice revealed. If this deep book were fully un- 
derstood, need we go any further after knowledge ? 

Friday, 29. What a miracle of grace am I ! How 
unworthy, and yet how abundantly blessed ! In the 
midst of all temptations, both from without and from 
within, my heart trusteth in the Lord. I was greatly 
delighted to-day in reading Dr. Guise on the Reign 
of Christ, which on earth will be spiritual, and in 
glory personal and eternal. O the beauties and joys 
of which I have some prospect in that celestial 
world ! It seems rather strange that, till lately, I 
could discover no beauties in the Revelation of St. 



60 Character and Career of I 1 7 7 4- 

John. But now I think it is the grand key of all 
mysteries, whether pure or impure ; opening to view 
all the revolutions, persecutions, and errors of the 
Church from that time till the end of the world. And 
then it favors us with a glimpse of what shall remain 
forever. 

A Confirmation of the Work of God. 

Friday, 6. I preached from Matt, xii, 50, but felt 
my mind dejected. Not meeting with success in 
this town as my soul ardently longs for, I rather feel 
a desire to depart, and to try some other people. 
But let the will of the Lord be done. My heart has 
been deeply affected by reading the Life of Col. Gardi- 
ner. Blessed be God for so many who experience 
the same work of grace which we preach, and at the 
same time are not of us ! This is a great confirma- 
tion of the work of God. And " whosoever doeth the 
will of my Father who is in heaven," of every de- 
nomination, " the same shall be my brother, and sis- 
ter, and mother." 

Work of God in Virginia. 
Mr. W. arrived to-day from Virginia. He gave us 
a circumstantial account of the work of God in those 
parts. One house of worship is built, and another in 
contemplation ; two or three more preachers are gone 
out upon the itinerant plan ; and in some parts the 
congregations consist of two or three thousand peo- 
ple. But some evil-minded persons have opposed 
the act of toleration, and threatened to imprison him. 
May the Lord turn their hearts, and make them par- 
takers of his great salvation ! 



I 774-J Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 61 

An Assault from Satan. 
Friday, 13. I packed up my clothes and books to 
be ready for my departure, and had an agreeable 
conversation with Mr. O. The next day some of my 
friends were* so unguarded and imprudent as to com- 
mend me to my face. Satan, ready for every advan- 
tage, seized the opportunity, and assaulted me with 
self-pleasing, self-exalting ideas. But the Lord ena- 
bled me to discover the danger, and the snare was 
broken. May he ever keep me humble, and little, 
and mean in my own eyes ! 

Del.] Asbury at Newcastle. 

Thursday, 19. I am happy in God after all my 
labors. But when among my friends my mind in- 
clines to a degree of cheerfulness bordering on levity. 
O for more watchfulness ! a more constant, striking 
sense of an omnipresent God ! Preached to-day in 
the market-house at Charleston. The congregation 
was somewhat large, and many of them very attentive. 
The company was large at Bohemia on Friday, and 
my own heart was deeply affected, and much drawn 
out while speaking from Rev. in, 3. At Newcastle, 
on Saturday, Satan was there, diverting the people by 
a play. However, several came to hear me enforce 
these words, " Be not ye partakers with them." 

Conference at Philadelphia. 
Monday, 23. After preaching yesterday at New- 
port and Red Clay Creek, I rode to-day to Chester ; 
and though weary, spoke from Gal. vi, 14. Here my 
old friends, Mr. M. and Mr. S., from New York, met 



62 Character and Career of [ I 774- 

me, and the next day we rode to Philadelphia. Hith- 
erto the Lord hath helped. 

Wednesday, 25. Our conference began. The over- 
bearing spirit of a certain person had excited my 
fears. My judgment was very stubbornly opposed for 
awhile, and at last submitted to. But it is my duty 
to bear all things with a meek and patient spirit- 
Our conference was attended with great power ; and, 
all things considered, with great harmony. We 
agreed to send Mr. W. to England ; and all ac- 
quiesced in the future stations of the preachers. My 
lot was to go to New York. My body and mind 
have been much fatigued during the time of this con- 
ference. And if I were not deeply conscious of the 
truth and goodness of the cause in which I am en- 
gaged, I should by no means stay here. Lord, what 
a world is this ! yea, what a religious world ! O keep 
my heart pure, and my garments unspotted from the 
world ! Our conference ended on Friday with a 
comfortable intercession. 

K". T.] Asbury again in New York. 

Lords Day, 29. This was a day of peace, and the 
Lord favored me with faith and energy while preach- 
ing to the people. I visited Mr. W., who is going to 
England, but found he had no taste for spiritual sub- 
jects. Lord, keep me from all superfluity of dress, 
and from preaching empty stuff to please the ear, 
instead of changing the heart ! Thus has he fulfilled 
as a hireling his day. We had a very solemn love- 
feast to-day, and on Monday my friends and I set 
off in the stage for New York, where we arrived on 
Tuesday evening about eight o'clock. We had some 
trifling company on the way, who talked much but to 



1 774.] Bishop Asbicry Illustrated. 63 

little purpose. My old friends in New York were glad 
to see me. But I still fear there is a root of prej- 
udice remaining in the hearts of a few. May the Lord 
prepare me for all events, that I may act and suffer, 
in all things, like a Christian ! Captain W. preached 
a good sermon in the evening. 

A Blessed State of Heart, 
Tuesday, 14. My heart seems wholly devoted to 
God, and he favors me with power over all outward 
and inward sin. My affections appear to be quite 
weaned from all terrestrial objects. Some people, if 
they felt as I feel at present, would perhaps con- 
clude they were saved from all indwelling sin. O my 
God, save me and keep me every moment of my life ! 
The next day my soul was under heavy exercises, and 
much troubled by manifold temptations ; but still, all 
my care was cast on the Lord. I find it hurtful to 
pore too much on myself. True, I should be daily 
employed in the duty of self-examination, and strict- 
ly attend both to my internal and external conduct ; 
but, at the same time, my soul should steadily fix the 
eye of faith on the blessed Jesus, my Mediator and 
Advocate at the right hand of the eternal Father. 
Lord, cause thy face to shine upon me, and make 
me always joyful in thy salvation ! 

A Temptation of Satan. 
Lord's Day, 10. My bodily weakness has been such, 
for a few days past, as to prevent my officiating 
much in public ; however, I ventured to preach twice 
to-day, but in the evening was so weak that I could 
scarce stand in the pulpit ; but while preaching on 
the parable of the prodigal son, the Lord greatly 



64 Character and Career of [. l 774- 

refreshed and strengthened me, though I went to bed 
very ill at night. Satan tempted me to-day to think 
much of my gifts. Alas ! what poor creatures we are ; 
and to what dangers we are exposed ! What are all 
our gifts, unless they answer some good purpose ! 
Unless properly improved, they neither make us 
holier or happier. We have nothing but what we 
have received ; and, unless we are humble in the pos- 
session of them, they only make us more like devils, 
and more fit for hell. 

Heavy Work for a Sick Man. 

Thursday, 14. My mind is in peace. I have now 
been sick near ten months, and many days closely 
confined ; yet I have preached about three hundred 
times, and rode near two thousand miles in that 
time, though very frequently in a high fever. Here 
is no ease, worldly profit, or honor. What, then, but 
the desire of pleasing God and saving souls, could 
stimulate to such laborious and painful duties ? O 
that my labor may not be in vain ! that the Lord 
may give me to see fruit of these weak, but earnest 
endeavors, many days hence ! After preaching 
this evening with some warmth of heart, I was very 
close and pointed in meeting the society. 

A Page of Personal History. 

Lord's Day, 24. Ended the parable of the prodigal 
son. Does it not appear from this parable that some 
who, comparatively speaking, have all their life-time 
endeavored to please God, and are entitled to all his 
purchased, communicative blessings, are nevertheless 
not favored with such rapturous sensations of divine 



1 774.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 65 

joy as some others ? I remember when I was a 
small boy and went to school I had serious thoughts, 
and a particular sense of the being of a God, and 
greatly feared both an oath and a lie. At twelve 
years of age the Spirit of God strove frequently and 
powerfully with me ; but being deprived of proper 
means, and exposed to bad company, no effectual im- 
pressions were left on my mind. And, though fond 
of what some call innocent diversions, I abhorred 
fighting and quarreling : when any thing of this sort 
happened I always went home displeased. But I 
have been much grieved to think that so many Sab- 
baths were idly spent, which might have been better 
improved. However, wicked as my companions 
were, and fond as I was of play, I never imbibed 
their vices. When between thirteen and fourteen 
years of age, the Lord graciously visited my soul 
again. I then found myself more inclined to obey, 
and carefully attended preaching in West Bromwick, 
so that I heard Stillingfleet, Bagnel, Rylan, Anderson, 
Mansfield, and Talbott, men who preached the truth. 
I then began to watch over my inward and outward 
conduct ; and having a desire to hear the Methodists, 
I went to Wednesbury, and heard Mr. F. and Mr. I., 
but did not understand them, though one of their 
subjects is fresh in my memory to this day. This 
was the first of my hearing the Methodists. After 
that another person went with me to hear them 
again : the text was, " The time will come, when they 
will not endure sound doctrine." My companion 
was cut to the heart, but I was unmoved. The 
next year Mr. M. came into those parts. I was then 
about fifteen ; and, young as I was, the word of God 



66 Character and Career of I 1 774- 

soon made deep impressions on my heart, which 
brought me to Jesus Christ, who graciously justified 
my guilty soul through faith in his precious blood, 
and soon showed me the excellency and necessity of 
holiness. About sixteen I experienced a marvelous 
display of the grace of God, which some might think 
was full sanctification, and was indeed very happy, 
though in an ungodly family. At about seventeen I 
began to hold some public meetings ; and between 
seventeen and eighteen began to exhort and preach. 
When about twenty-one I went through Staffordshire 
and Gloucestershire, in the place of a traveling 
preacher, and the next year through Bedfordshire, 
Sussex, etc. In 1769 I was appointed assistant in 
Northamptonshire, and the next year traveled in 
Wiltshire. September 3, 1771, I embarked for 
America, and for my own private satisfaction began 
to keep an imperfect journal. 

Descendants of the Trench Protestants. 

August 1. Some of my good friends accompanied 
me as far as Kingsbridge, on my way to New 
Rochelle. I visited my little flock with some satis- 
faction. Here are some of the offspring of the French 
Protestants, who, on account of their religion, fled 
from Rochelle in France ; and God has mercifully 
remembered them unto the third and fourth genera- 
tion. 

Soul longing for Heaven. 

Rose early the next morning, but found myself 
weak both in body and mind. In this tabernacle I 
groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with the 



1 774.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 67 

house which is from heaven. My soul longs to fly 
to God, that it may be ever with him. O happy 
day, that shall call a poor exile home to his Father's 
house ! But I must check the impetuous current of 
desire, for it is written, " He that believeth shall not 
make haste." 

A Great Folly. 

Wednesday, 10. I was very low, but met my class, 
and preached in the evening. There appeared to be 
but little depth of religion in the class. It is a great 
folly to take people into society before they know 
what they are about. What some people take 
for religion and spiritual life is nothing but the 
power of the natural passions. It is true, real religion 
cannot exist without peace, and love, and joy. But 
then, real religion is real holiness. And all sensa- 
tions without a strong disposition for holiness are 
but delusive. 

Berridge and Pletcher. 

Mr. L. waited on Mr. P. and told him he appeared 
to be more taken up in reading Mr. Berridge's Chris- 
tian World Unmasked than the Bible. Mr. Berridge 
kept his room in a very gloomy state of mind about 
five years ago, and now he is come forth with his 
facetious pen to dictate to the Christian world. But 
Mr. Fletcher, in his Fifth Check, has fully answered 
all his witty arguments. Mr. Berridge was a good 
man, no doubt, but unfortunately drank deep into the 
principles of Antinomianism. 

Waiting to Hear what the Blunderer had to Say. 
Lord's Day, 18. Losing some of my ideas in 
preaching, I was ashamed of myself, and pained to see 



68 Character and Career of [ J 774* 

the 'people waiting to hear what the blunderer had to 
say. May these things humble me, and show me 
where my great strength lieth ! In meeting the 
society I urged the necessity of more private devotion, 
and of properly digesting what they hear. Set off the 
next morning for New Rochelle, and found E. D. in 
distress of soul. This is an agreeable family, and the 
children are both affectionate and obedient to their 
parents. I hope she and the rest of them will become 
true Christians, and be finally bound up in the bun- 
dle of life. I preached from 2 Tim. iv, 2, and many 
strangers were present. Satan is frequently assault- 
ing me with his temptations, but the Lord enables me 
to discover and resist his first attacks. 

Alarm of Fire— Keflections. 

At two o'clock in the night we were all alarmed by 
a fire which burned down a house in Peck Slip. 
What a resemblance of the general judgment! But 
if the cry of fire alarms us, how much more shall we 
be alarmed by the archangel's trumpet ! When all 
the ungodly shall have ten thousand times more 
cause to fear than the loss of houses, and goods, and 
life, how will they endure the cutting anguish ? But 
they are after the flesh, therefore they mind the 
things of the flesh, and them only. 

Too Much for Both the People and Preacher. 

Friday, 14. My heart was much devoted to God. 
But having been here now four months, preaching or 
exhorting every day, and twice on the Lord's day, 
besides society meetings, it seems to be too much 
for both the people and the preacher. We have now 



z 774»] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 69 

more unity in the society here than we have had for 
some time past. But we want more of the life and 
power of religion among us. 

Delightful Intercourse with God. 

Lord's Day, '30. I kept close house till evening. 
And O what happiness did my soul enjoy with God ! 
So open and delightful was the intercourse between 
God and my soul, that it gave me grief if any person 
came into my room to disturb my sweet communion 
with the blessed Father and the Son. When my 
work is done, may I enter into that fullness of joy 
which shall never be interrupted in the blissful 
realms above ! In the evening I ventured to preach 
from 1 Cor. i, 21, and spoke with great freedom and 
plainness, and felt better afterward than could have 
been expected. Found myself something better on 
Monday, and met two classes. 

Asbury Meets with a Pellow-passenger. 

Monday, Nov. 28. After taking my leave of my good 
friends in New York the last evening from Phil, i, 27, 
Captain W. and myself set off this morning for Am- 
boy. We met with a person who came a passenger 
with us from England in the character of a gentleman, 
by the name of Wilson, but now he calls himself 
Clarkson, and since then he has called himself Lav- 
ingston. He was apprehended for passing a counter- 
feit bill, for which he was both imprisoned and 
whipped. When he saw me he knew me, and I 
knew him, but he was in such perplexity that he 
could eat no breakfast, and went off in the first wagon 
he could meet with. To what fears and anxiety are poor 



jo Character and Career of [ l 774- 

sinners exposed ! And if the presence of a mortal 
man can strike such terror into the minds of guilty 
sinners, what must they feel when they stand without 
a covering before a heart-searching and righteous 
God. 

Pa.] Asbury in Philadelphia. 

Friday, December 2. My soul enjoys great peace, 
but longs for more of God. We visited the prisoners 
again, and Captain W. enforced some very alarming 
truths upon them, though very little fruit of his labor 
could be seen. Mr. R. came to Burlington to-day, 
and desired me to go to Philadelphia. So, after 
preaching in the evening from Prov. xxviii, 13, I set 
off the next morning for the city, and found the society 
in the spirit of love. 

A Small Congregation. 

Wednesday, 14. Mr. R. was sick, and Captain W. 
was busy, so I spent my time in study and devotion, 
and enjoyed a blessed sense of the Divine Presence. 
But what need can there be for two preachers here to 
preach three times a week to about sixty people ? On 
Thursday night about sixty persons attended to hear 
Captain W. preach. This is indeed a very gloomy 
prospect. But my heart delighteth in God. He is 
the object of my hope, and I trust he will be my por- 
tion forever. 

At a Quaker Meeting. 

Lord's Day, 15. I visited the Quaker meeting, but 
wondered to see so many sensible men sit to hear 
two or three old women talk. In the latter part of 
the day I was much indisposed, and kept at home. 



I 77S-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 71 

But the next morning I found myself something 
better, and earnestly longed for purity of heart, and 
perfect resignation to all the will of God. 



An Affliction— Satan Busy. 

From the twenty-third of January till the first of 
February my affliction was so severe that I was not 
able to write. There were several small ulcers on 
the inside of my throat, and the pain of the gather- 
ings was so severe that for two weeks I could not 
rest of nights. My friends were very kind, and, ex- 
pecting my death, they affectionately lamented over 
me. But on the 29th of January I was happily re- 
lieved by the discharge of near a pint of white matter. 
For awhile my mind was in great heaviness, but 
after some severe conflicts with the powers of dark- 
ness I was calmly resigned to the will of a wise and 
gracious God. O Lord, how wonderful are thy 
works ! It is my desire to know the cause of this 
affliction, that, if it is in my power, I may remove it. 
Is it that I may know more of myself, and lie in the 
dust ? Or for my past unfaithfulness ? But whatever 
may be the cause, I humbly hope that all those pain- 
ful dispensations will work together for my good. In 
the course of this affliction I found that when my 
spirit was broken, and brought to submit with cheer- 
fulness to the will of God, then the disorder abated, 
and I began to recover, though Satan was very busy, 
and, like Job's impious wife, suggested to my mind 
that I should curse God and die. Nevertheless, 
through grace, I am more than conqueror, and can 
give glory to God. 



72 Character and Career of I 1 7 7 5' 

Asbury HI? but Employed in Beading. 

Thursday, Feb. g. My body continues to recover. 
But I discover many weaknesses and failures in my 
inner man. When shall my soul be adorned as a 
bride for her bridegroom ? When shah all within and 
all without be holiness to the Lord ? Notwithstand- 
ing my illness, I have read Neal's History of the 
Puritans, consisting of four volumes, in about two 
months. 

Friday, io. How great a blessing is health ! 
though of late it is but seldom enjoyed by me. But, 
through mercy, my body now feels like being restored ; 
and I am afraid of being thereby too much elated. 
The Lord shows me the excellency of affliction, and 
enables me to exercise resignation in all conditions 
of life. I am now reading Mosheim's Ecclesiastical 
History ; but as a writer he is too dry and specula- 
tive. 

Pantings of Heart to Labor for God, 
Tuesday, 14. My heart pants to labor for God ; to 
be once more employed in building up his spiritual 
house. O that he may strengthen me, set me to 
work, and greatly bless my poor endeavors ! Preach- 
ing the glorious Gospel seems to be my proper em- 
ployment ; and when I am long detained from it I 
appear to be out of my element. But hope, a blessed 
hope, revives, that before long I shall be of some serv- 
ice in the Church of Christ. 

Md.] New House and Old Friends in Baltimore. 

Thursday, March 2. We called at the house of Mr. 
J. D., and rested about an hour. Sister D. has treated 



I 77S-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 73 

me with all the tenderness of a mother toward a son ; 
and may He that will not forget a cup of water given 
in his name, abundantly reward her ! We then pur- 
sued our journey to Baltimore, and my heart was 
greatly refreshed at the sight of my spiritual chil- 
dren and kind friends there, for whose welfare my 
soul had travailed both present and absent. The 
next day I had the pleasure of seeing our new house 
and my old friends, with some new ones added to 
their number. Here are all my own with increase. 

Asbury Preaches with great Pathos. 

Saturday, 18. Peace and pure desires filled my 
soul, and Christ was the object of my love. Glory 
be to thee, O Lord ! The next day the Spirit of the 
Lord God was with me in preaching at the Point, 
and with great pathos I was enabled to deliver the 
truth at night in town. Many of the audience felt 
the weight of God's word. May they yield to the 
sacred touch, and be saved ! 

Statistics of Circuits and Preachers. 

Tuesday, 28. Mr. O., the Dutch minister, accom- 
panied me to I. O.'s, where we had a blessed and 
refreshing season. The next day, at town, I met 
with Brother W. from Virginia, who gave me a great 
account of the work of God in those parts — five or six 
hundred souls justified by faith, and five or six cir- 
cuits formed ; so that we have now fourteen circuits 
in America, and about twenty-two preachers are 
required to supply them. Thus we see how Divine 
Providence makes way for the word of truth, and the 
Holy Spirit attends it. May it spread in power, and 
cover these lands ! 



74 Character and Career of [}77$- 

Baltimore Ninety-six Years ago, 

Lords Day, 16. The Spirit of God attended our en- 
deavors both in town and Point. My heart was 
greatly enlarged in town especially. There is a very 
apparent alteration in this place. There is not so 
much drunkenness and neglect of the ordinances as 
in former times, and the people are much more in- 
clined to attend the places of public worship. So 
that, on the whole, I entertain a lively hope that the 
Lord will yet arise up for himself a large society in the 
town of Baltimore. On Monday my frame was weak 
and weary ; nevertheless I had to preach once in 
town, and once in the country, about seven miles 
off. 

Asbury on his "Way to Philadelphia. 

Thursday, n, was appointed as a general fast. I 
preached on the occasion, and the Lord made it a 
solemn, heart-affecting time, so that we did not con- 
clude till about three o'clock. The next day I reached 
Bohemia ; but as it was late, some of the congrega- 
tion had departed. I therefore exhorted those that 
were left, and then proceeded to Newcastle. 

Lord's Day, 14. Both last night and this day, I 
hope my skirts were clear of the blood of the people 
in this little town, whether they reject or accept of 
an offered salvation. After stopping to preach at 
Chester the next day, I then went on to Philadelphia. 

Va.] In Norfolk. 

Monday, 22. Having preached the last evening 
with some sweet enlargement, I left Philadelphia 



I 77S-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 75 

this morning, and set off for Norfolk. Preached at 
night to a few people in Chester, and was conducted 
the next morning in a friend's chaise to Cecil Court- 
house, where I embarked for Norfolk. 

Monday, 29. With a thankful heart I landed at 
Norfolk, after having been much tossed about by 
contrary winds in the bay. My accommodations on 
board the vessel were also very indifferent, so that it 
was a disagreeable and fatiguing passage ; but 

" In hope of that immortal crown 

I now the cross sustain ; 
And gladly wander up and down, 

And smile at toil and pain." 

Here I found about thirty persons in society after 
their manner ; but they had no regular class-meet- 
ings. However, here are a few who are willing to 
observe all the rules of our society. Their present 
preaching-house is an old, shattered building, which 
has formerly been a play-house. Surely the Lord 
will not always suffer his honor to be trampled in the 
dust. No ; I entertain a hope that we shall have a 
house and a people in this town. My heart is filled 
with holy thoughts, and deeply engaged in the work 
of God. On Tuesday evening about one hundred 
and fifty souls attended to hear the word, and about 
fifty at five o'clock on Wednesday morning, which, by 
the presence of the Lord, was found to be a good 
time. I then went over to Portsmouth, and found 
my spirit at liberty in preaching to a number of souls 
there. 

Ballast Necessary— Puffs of Applause. 

Friday, yitne 2. The Lord is pleased to show me 
the danger which a preacher is in of being lifted up 



?6 Character and Career of [ l 775* 

by pride, and falling into the condemnation of the 
devil. How great is the danger of this ! A consid- 
erable degree of ballast is highly necessary to bear 
frequent and sudden puffs of applause. Lord, fill me 
with genuine humility, that the strongest gusts from 
Satan or the world may never move me ! 

The Power of Christian Simplicity. 

Wednesday, 26. I preached to a small company at 
Brother W.'s, and before the congregation was dis- 
missed an honest Christian, who had been justified 
about twelve months before, rose up and spoke a few 
broken words, which affected the people more than 
all that had been said. What an excellent thing is 
simplicity of heart ! How ready is God to own 
and bless it ! It would be well for professors of some 
standing to inquire impartially if they have not lost 
their first simplicity. Old professors are very apt to 
become wise in their own esteem, and fools in God's 
esteem. 

Love of Souls Stronger than Love of Country. 

Monday, 7. I received a letter from Mr. T. R., in 
which he informed me that himself, Mr. R., and Mr. 
D. had consulted, and deliberately concluded it would 
be best to return to England. But I can by no 
means agree to leave such a field for gathering souls 
to Christ as we have in America. It would be an 
eternal dishonor to the Methodists that we should all 
leave three thousand souls, who desire to commit 
themselves to our care ; neither is it the part of a 
good shepherd to leave his flock in time of danger ; 
therefore I am determined, by the grace of God, not 
to leave them, let the consequence be what it may. 



1 775-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. J? 

Our friends here appeared to be distressed above 
measure at the thoughts of being forsaken by the 
preachers, so I wrote my sentiments both to Mr. T. 
R. and Mr. G. S. 

Marines in Norfolk— Eeflection. 

Lord's Day, October i. Preached in Portsmouth, for 
the first time since my illness, and the hearts of 
many were touched. 

Tuesday, 3. My heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. 
I sincerely desire to be entirely his — to spend the 
remnant of my days and strength altogether for God. 
A company of marines have been ashore at Norfolk, 
ransacked the printing-office, and taken the printers 
and press with them. The inhabitants soon after em- 
bodied and got under arms. The people are also re- 
pairing the fort, which, if put in order, may sink all 
the ships that shall attempt to come into the harbor. 
But if it is thought expedient to watch and fight in 
defense of our bodies and property, how much more 
expedient is it to watch and fight against sin and 
Satan in defense of our souls, which are in danger 
of eternal damnation ! But small dangers at hand 
have a greater effect on fallen man than the greatest 
dangers which are thought to be at a distance. But, 
alas ! the one may be as near as the other ! 

■ A Just Observation. 

Tuesday, 14. Preached at Mr. C.'s and Mr. B.'s, 
and met with a few inquisitive people. It is a just 
observation, that those matters which are the least 
disputed in religion are the most essential, and those 
who are the most fond of controverted trifles have the 



78 Character and Career of \_ l 77&- 

least real religion. Satan will help us to the shell, if 
we will be satisfied without the kernel. 



A Ketrospect, 

Wednesday, 20. I have now been twelve years a 
preacher, three years in a local capacity, and nine 
years in the traveling connection ; about four years 
and eight months in England, and about four years 
and four months in America. 

Entering on a Hew Tear. 

Monday, January I, 1776. I am now entering on a 
new year, and am of late constantly happy, feeling my 
heart much taken up with God, and hope thus to live 
and thus to die. Or, if there should be any alteration, 
may it be for the better, and not for the worse ! This 
is my earnest desire and prayer to God. 

" My residue of days or hours, 

Thine, wholly thine, shall be ; 
And all my consecrated powers 

A sacrifice to thee. 
Till Jesus in the clouds appear 

To saints on earth forgiven, 
And bring the grand sabbatic year, 

The jubilee of heaven." 

Burnet's History of His Own Times. 

Tuesday, 30. The weather has been very cold, 
though I have attended every place in course ; and 
both the people and myself have been frequently 
blessed. I have been reading Burnet's History of 
His Own Times, and am amazed at the intrigues 
of courts, and the treachery of men. There is 
reason to fear the same cause produces the same 



1776.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 79 

effects at this time, for there is no probability of 
peace, and a great army is expected from England 
in the spring. May the Lord look upon us and 
help us ! 

"Ended where we Began.'* 

Lord's Day, 18. I preached twice at Petersburg. 
The last subject was the rich man and Lazarus, which 
struck the people with great solemnity, and many 
seemed to feel the power of God. On Monday there 
were two Baptist preachers among the congregation. 
After the sermon was ended they desired to speak 
with me. So we conversed about three hours on ex- 
perimental, practical, and controversial divinity, but 
ended where we began. I thank the Lord, my mind 
was kept in peace and coolness. No doubt but Satan 
is very active in promoting religious controversies. 
Many take a controversial spirit for the spirit of re- 
ligion, while others dispute away what little religion 
they have. " Only by pride cometh contention. 
The wisdom that cometh from above is pure and 
peaceable." 

MdJ Baltimore Alarmed— Reflection. 

Left Leesburg on Monday, 4, and, by the good 
providence of God, arrived safe at Baltimore on Thurs- 
day, but found the people greatly alarmed by the 
report of a man-of-war being near. Many of the in- 
habitants were moving out of town. Brother W. 
preached in the evening. 

Thursday, 7. My heart mounts heavenward on 
wings of strong desire for more of God ; and the 
peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep : 
eth my spirit in his knowledge and love. Here I met 



80 Character and Career of [ l 77^ 

with Brother R., and found him under some exercises 
of mind toward Mr. T. R. However, the temptation 
was removed before we parted. On Friday the town 
was all in commotion. It was reported that the man- 
of-war was in the river, which excited the serious at- 
tention of all the inhabitants ; so that some were 
moving off, while others were getting under arms. 
Alas for fallen man ! He fears his fellow-creatures, 
whose breath is in their nostrils, but fears not Him 
who is able to destroy body and soul in hell. If 
fire and sword at a small distance can so alarm us, 
how will poor impenitent sinners be alarmed when 
they find, by woeful experience, that they must drink 
the wine of the wrath of God, poured out without 
mixture ? 

Heaven and Earth Contrasted. 

Lord's Day \ io» The congregations were but small, 
so great has the consternation been. But I know the 
Lord governeth the world ; therefore these things shall 
not trouble me. I will endeavor to be ready for life 
or death ; so that, if death should come, my soul may 
joyfully quit this land of sorrow, and go to rest in the 
embraces of the blessed Jesus. O delightful felicity ! 
There is no din of war ; no unfriendly persecutors of 
piety ; no enchanting world with concealed destruc- 
tion ; no malevolent spirit to disturb our peace ; but 
all is purity, peace, and joy. Adapting my discourse 
to the occasion, I preached this evening from Isaiah 
i, 19, 20 : "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat 
the good of the land : but if ye refuse and rebel, ye 
shall be devoured with the sword : for the mouth of 
the Lord hath spoken it." 






1776.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 81 

Pa.] Safe in Philadelphia— A Journey of Three Thousand Miles. 
Tries day, 19. Under the divine protection I came 
safe to Philadelphia, having rode about three thou- 
sand miles since I left it last. But heaven is my 
object, not earth. This springs my mind, and makes 
my burden light. 

" The things eternal I pursue, 
A happiness beyond the view 

Of those that basely pant 
For things by nature felt and seen : 
Their honors, wealth, and pleasures mean, 
I neither have nor want." 

An Apology for Mr. Wesley. 

Here I met with Mr. T. R. in the spirit of love, 
and received a full account of what related to the un- 
happy Mr. D. I also received an affectionate letter 
from Mr. Wesley, and am truly sorry that the venera- 
ble man ever dipped into the politics of America. My 
desire is to live in love and peace with all men ; to 
do them no harm, but all the good I can. However, 
it discovers Mr. Wesley's conscientious attachment 
to the government under which he lived. Had he 
been a subject of America, no doubt but he would 
have been as zealous an advocate of the American 
cause. But some inconsiderate persons have taken 
occasion to censure the Methodists in America on 
account of Mr. Wesley's political sentiments. 

Sufferings of Christ. 

Friday, 5. I heard a Moravian preach, but it was 

only a historical faith. And this being Good Friday, 

I preached from these pathetic words of Christ : 

6 



82 Character and Career of [ l 776- 

" Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me : 
nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." What 
mortal can form any idea^of the blessed Saviour's feel- 
ings at that time, when his agony was so great as to 
express from his sinless body great drops of blood 
and water ! Was it ever heard before that any man 
sweat blood ? If Jesus found the punishment due to 
sin to be so severe, how will poor sinners themselves 
bear the eternal damnation of hell ? 

Asbury Prays for God's Help in the War Struggle. 

Tuesday, 16. My heart was sweetly enlarged toward 
God both in my private exercises and my public 
preaching. A friend from New York informed us 
that troops were raised and intrenchments made in 
that city. O Lord, we are oppressed ; undertake for 
us ! I received a letter* from friend E. at Trenton, 
complaining that the societies in that circuit had 
been neglected by the preachers. 

Wednesday, 17. My soul loves God and all man- 
kind, but I cannot please all men. However, my con- 
science is void of offense both toward God and toward 
man. On Thursday we heard of a skirmish between 
the Philadelphia fleet and the Glasgow man-of-war. 
What will be the end of these things ? Lord, think 
upon us for good, and show us mercy ! Preaching 
this evening, the powers of my soul were at full 
liberty, and I trust it was made a blessing to many. 

N. J.l Again in Hew Jersey. 

Thursday, May 2. Some melted under the word at 
Mount Holly, though at first they seemed inattentive 
and careless. The grace of God kept my spirit this 



1776.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 83 

day in sweet seriousness, without any mixture of 
sourness. 

Saturday, 4. At New Mills I found Brother W. 
very busy about his chapel, which is thirty-six feet by 
twenty-eight, with a gallery fifteen feet deep. I 
preached in it from Matt, vii, 7, with fervor, but not 
with freedom, and returned to W. B.'s the same 
night 

Lord's Day, 5. I preached at New Mills again, and 
it was a heart-affecting season ; then returned to 
Philadelphia, but went under a heavy gloom of mind, 
and found my spirit much dejected and shut up. 

Pa.] Appointed to Baltimore. 

Monday, 27. Expecting the preachers were on their 
return from the conference, I appointed preaching at 
my lodgings, but had to preach myself to a small, at- 
tentive, tender company, and felt much quickened in 
my own soul. At night Brother R. arrived, and in- 
formed me that I was appointed for Baltimore ; to 
which I cheerfully submit, though it seems to be 
against my bodily health. 

An Impenetrable Congregation. 

Tuesday, 11. Rose with a deep sense of God rest- 
ing on my mind, and set off for Mr. L.'s, which is 
about twenty miles from the house where I lodged ; 
but by losing our way, we made it about thirty miles, 
and did not reach the place till about two o'clock. 
The Lord then rewarded me for my toil, while I was 
preaching to a serious, tender people ; and I after- 
ward endeavored to unite the society, which Satan, 
by his diabolical wiles, had divided. On Wednesday 



84 Character and Career of \_ l 776* 

the congregation at I. O.'s were so impenetrable that 
neither promises or threats could move them. Nor 
did the people at M. W.'s seemed to have much more 
sensibility, though I was greatly affected myself 
while preaching to them from 2 Corinthians vi, 2. 
The Lord has blessed me of late with much assist- 
ance in preaching, and with purity of heart. 

MdJ Asbnry Fined for Preaching the Gospel, 

Thursday, 20. Went to Nathan Perrig's, and was 
fined five pounds for preaching the Gospel ; but found 
my soul at liberty both in preaching and class-meet- 
ing. We then went to W. L.'s, and found N. L. un- 
der uncommon exercises of mind. 

Saturday , 22. Returned to Baltimore ; and al- 
though my peace is not broken, neither is any wrong 
temper or desire indulged, yet I lament the want of 
more spirituality. My soul, like the rising flame, 
would continually ascend to God. 

Soaring too High— A Casualty, 

Thursday y 27. This was a day of trials. Satan drew 
my thoughts into a train of reasoning on subjects 
which were out of my reach ; for secret things belong 
to God, but things which are revealed belong to us 
and our children. Thus, while I was soaring out of 
the region of my duty, I became inattentive to what 
immediately concerned me, and oversetting my chaise, 
broke it very much ; though, blessed be God ! my 
body was preserved. May the Lord keep my soul 
united to himself, as its proper center ! However, I 
was greatly blessed in speaking to the people ; and 
the power of God rested on the congregation. 



1776.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 85 

Asbury Decides to Visit the Warm Springs. 
I have now come to a determination, God willing, 
to go to the warm springs, and make a trial of them 
for the recovery of my health ; perhaps my strength 
may be thereby so restored for future services that 
upon the whole there may be no loss of time. R. W., 
W. L., and I. F. will supply the circuit in the mean 
time. 

Va,] The Burden of the Lord upon Him. 

Thursday, 18. After riding forty miles to-day we 
reached the springs, and at first we found it difficult 
to obtain lodgings. But after awhile I procured a 
good lodging with Mr. M. Here was work enough 
for a preacher if he desired to be faithful. My soul 
was happy ; and I felt myself totally delivered from 
the fear of man — determined, by the grace of God, to 
discharge my duty. 

Friday, 19. My soul was in peace ; but the bur- 
den of the Lord rested upon me. I could not be 
satisfied till I declared to the people their danger and 
duty : which I did from Isaiah lv, 6, 7. They all be- 
haved with decency, though it is more than probable 
that some of them had enough of my preaching. 

Decided Eesults from his Labors at the Springs. 

Wednesday, 24. The congregation was rather in- 
creased ; many were affected, and one man fell down. 
It clearly appears that I am in the line of my duty 
in attending the springs : there is a manifest check 
to the overflowing tide of immorality, and the prej- 
udices of many people are in a great degree re- 
moved. So that I hope my visit to this place will be 



86 Character and Career of [i 7 76. 

for the benefit of the souls of some, as well as for the 
benefit of my own body ; though preaching in the 
open air, to a people who are almost strangers to a pray- 
ing spirit, is more disagreeable to my feelings, and 
a much greater cross, than traveling and preaching 
in a circuit. 

An Unusual Programme for an Invalid. 

Monday, 29. My present mode of conduct is as 
follows : to read about a hundred pages a day ; usually 
to pray in public five times a day ; to preach in 
the open air every other day ; and to lecture in 
prayer-meeting every evening. And if it were in my 
power, I would do a thousand times as much for such 
a gracious and blessed Master. But in the midst of 
all my little employments, I feel myself as nothing, 
and Christ to me is all in all. 

Limited Accommodations. 

The house in which we live, at the springs, is not 
the most agreeable : the size of it is twenty feet by 
sixteen ; and there are seven beds and sixteen per- 
sons therein, and some noisy children. So I dwell 
♦among briars and thorns ; but my soul is in peace. 

Opposition from the Parson. 

Tuesday, 13. I found the parson had been encour- 
aging the gentlemen to oppose me, and intimating 
that it was very improper to permit me to preach. My 
soul is among lions, but the God of Daniel is with 
me. I attempted to preach in the day, but my mind 
was shut up ; though my spirit was revived in the even- 
ing lecture. It is strange to see a priest conducting 



1776.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 87 

persecution against the people of God ! When 
did a persecution take place in which men of that 
character had no hand ? But although Satan may be 
permitted to transform himself into an angel of light 
for a season, yet he will not always have his own way 
in this matter. 

A Characteristic Description. 
Tuesday, 27. Having taken my leave yesterday, in 
discoursing on the parable' of the sower, I this day 
turned my back on the springs, as the best and the 
worst place that I ever was in ; good for health, but 
most injurious to religion. 

A Just Discrimination. 

Lord's Day, 29. There were five or six hundred 
people at the Forks, to whom I discoursed on the 
judgments of God ; and showed who are the provok- 
ing cause — not religious people, as the ignorant say, 
but those who transgress the laws of God, in defiance 
of his justice. Thus it was with the antediluvians, 
with the Egyptians, with the apostate Israelites in the 
wilderness, with the inhabitants of Jerusalem after the 
coming of Christ, and thus it is with us. 

Asbury's Salary— Six Pounds per Quarter, 

Wednesday, 9. Having received a letter from Mrs. 
M. of Middle River Neck, requesting me to go and 
preach a funeral sermon at the burial of her sister, I 
set out this morning in compliance with her request. 
We found it a serious, awful season, and after all 
was over she offered me some money ; but being in 
a place where I could receive, my six pounds per 



88 Character and Career of \}77& 

quarter, which was sufficient for keeping me in clothes 
and a horse, I thankfully refused to take it. She was 
capable of making an excellent, useful Christian, and 
appeared to be under religious impressions. 

Always Prepared for the Worst, 
Saturday, 30. Returning to Baltimore, I preached 
from Rom. vii, 38, 39. The congregation was small, 
but there was power in the word. It was now re- 
ported that the British trpops were on their march to 
Philadelphia. Troubles may be at hand. But my 
design is, through grace, so to improve my time as 
to be always prepared for the worst. Poor sinners 
have cause to tremble at the approach of death ; 
but even in that dreaded hour the righteous can re- 
joice in hope of the glory of God. 

Private Devotions. 
Lords Day, 8. My present practice is, to set apart 
about three hours out of every twenty-four for private 
prayer ; but Satan labors much to interrupt me. 
Nevertheless, my soul enjoys a sweet and peaceful 
nearness to God, for the most part, in these duties. 
I found some at the Point mourning for an interest in 
Jesus Christ. May the Lord, whom they seek, come 
suddenly into the temple of their disconsolate hearts ! 

A Dangerous Practice. 
Thursday, January 16, 1777. A certain person 
passed great encomiums, and sounded my praise as a 
preacher to my face. But this is a dangerous prac- 
tice ; for it is easier for a preacher to think too 
much of his gifts than too little. St. Paul, describe 
ing the true Israelite, saith : " Whose praise is not 
of men, but of God." 



1777-1 Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 89 

Heavy Temptations, 
Thursday, 20. The weather was exceedingly severe, 
and I had twenty-five miles to ride, which almost 
benumbed both body and soul. But my mind was so 
exercised by the way, with various and heavy tempta- 
tions, and such a deep sense of my demerit and un- 
profitableness, that I thought my suffering was much 
less than my desert. Satan frequently assaults me on 
every side, and with every species of temptations. 
Surely it is through great tribulation we must enter 
into the kingdom of God. The righteous have great 
cause to rejoice that a rest remaineth for them. 

A Troublesome Little Irishman. 
Lord's Day, 23. After riding twenty miles to I. 
W.'s I spoke from these words : " How long halt ye 
between two opinions ? " Many of the people dis- 
played, by their looks, the carelessness of their 
hearts ; but a few from among them have been brought 
to Christ, and some more are coming. On Tuesday 
we had some severe weather, with a cold and dirty 
house, but my soul was much blessed in my little 
sufferings. On Wednesday I was kindly entertained 
by old Mr. M. and his wife, though a troublesome 
little Irishman seemed much inclined to altercation. 
But as Solomon says, " A sorft answer turneth away 
wrath," so by coolness and meekness the ferocity of 
his temper was in a great degree subdued. 

A Deistical Audience at Annapolis. 
Lord's Day, March 2. Though the weather was 
very cold, several members of the convention at- 
tended to hear the word at the Widow D.'s ; and I 
afterward preached in the play-house, now converted 



90 Character and Career of [ l 777- 

into a church. In the beginning of the ensuing week 
I was requested to preach in the assembly-room, but 
some of the members opposed it ; so I returned to the 
play-house, and found my ideas contracted while 
preaching to a deistical audience from Rom. viii, 7, 
8. Lord, if thou hast called me to preach to these 
souls, grant me divine assistance ! But how difficult 
it is to declare the plain truth to ungodly and sen- 
sual men in such a manner as not to be dismayed at 
their countenance ! Our sufficiency is of God. 

Asbury Suffering from Natural Timidity. 
Friday, 14. My natural timidity depressed my 
mind at the thought of preaching in Annapolis, 
where many people openly deny the Holy Scriptures, 
as well as the power of inward religion. But the 
Lord inspired me with a degree of evangelical cour- 
age ; and I felt a determination to adhere to the 
truth, and follow Jesus Christ, if it should be even to 
prison or to death. 

Private Prayer— Seven Times a Day. 
Saturday, 22. As sure as we draw nigh to God in 
sincerity, he will draw nigh to us. I have given my- 
self to private prayer seven times a day, and found my 
heart much drawn out in behalf of the preachers, the 
societies, especially the new places, and my aged 
parents. And while thus exercised, my soul has 
been both quickened and purified. Let the glory be 
given to God ! But alas ! after all, my heart is not 
so filled with generous gratitude as it should be ! 

" Eternal are thy mercies, Lord ; 
Eternal truth attends thy word ; 
Thy praise shall sound from shore to shore, 
Till suns shall rise and set no more." 



I 777-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 91 

A Higher Enle. 

Thursday, 27. I have been variously exercised 
with the carelessness of the people, and the troubles 
of the times, though my soul has had intimate access 
to God. I received a letter from Brother S., intimat- 
ing that, according to rule, the time was drawing near 
for us to return. But St. Paul's rule is, that our 
spiritual children should be in our hearts, to live and 
die with them, (2 Cor. vii, 3.) Then, doubtless, we 
should be willing to suffer affliction with them. May 
the Lord give me wisdom sufficient to direct me in 
this and every intricate case ! 

Temptation— Prayer. 
Saturday, 5. Much temptation has urged me to 
much prayer, so that I have lately retired as often 
as ten or twelve times a day to call upon my God. 
When the tempter finds that his violent assaults 
only drive us nearer to God, perhaps he will not be 
so maliciously officious. 

An Attempt to Shoot Asbury, 

Monday, 14. This was a day of rest to my fatigued 
frame, and of consolation to my immortal part. On 
Tuesday there was great decency in the congregation 
at Annapolis, though Satan, by his emissaries, had 
raised an opposition. But Israel's God is above 
them all. 

Wednesday, 16. God was with us, and the people 
were happy at Mr. M.'s. On my way I called and 
dined with Mr. R., who gave great attention to my ex- 
planatory and pointed conversation on the new birth. 
Riding after preaching to R. P.'s, my chaise was shot 



92 Character and Career of [ l 777- 

through, but the Lord preserved my person. The. 
war is now at such a height that they are pressing 
% men for the sea service. 

Satan's Attacks Kepulsed. 

Monday, 21. My heart was comforted in the com- 
pany of an old friend, but on Tuesday Satan raged 
against my soul as if he would immediately destroy 
it ; but my divine Protector is too strong for him. 
The Lord visited and blessed my soul in the even- 
ing while I was describing the faithful and wise 
servant. 

Wednesday y 23. I found myself very unwell on my 
going to T. W.'s, but my spirit was at liberty in 
preaching. Though still unwell I rode twenty miles 
to I. W.'s on Thursday ', and was blessed with a tran- 
quil mind by the way. Satan cast several infernal 
darts at my soul, but I was enabled to repel them 
by the shield of faith and the power of prayer. 

Conference at Deer Creek, 

Monday, 12. Set out for our yearly conference, 
and having preached at Mr. P.'s, by the way, came 
safe to Mr. G.'s, and was glad to see the preachers 
who were there. We had some weighty conversation 
on different points, and among other things it was 
asked whether we could give our consent that Mr. R. 
should baptize, as there appeared to be a present 
necessity. But it was objected that this would be a 
breach of our discipline, and it was not probable that 
things would continue long in such a disordered state. 
The next day, with great harmony and joint consent, 
we drew a rough draught for stationing the preachers 



1 777-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 93 

the ensuing year. And on Friday we conversed on 
the propriety of signing certificates avouching good 
conduct for such of the preachers as chose to go to 
Europe. But I could not see the propriety of it at 
this time. We also conversed on such rules as might 
be proper for the regulation of the preachers who 
abide on the continent. And it was judged necessary 
that a committee should be appointed to superintend 
the whole. And on Monday we rode together to at- 
tend the conference at Deer Creek. 

So greatly has the Lord increased the number of 
traveling preachers within these few years, that we 
have now twenty-seven who attend the circuits, and 
twenty of them were present at this conference. 
Both our public and private business was conducted 
with great harmony, peace, and love. Our brethren 
who intend to return to Europe have agreed to stay 
till the way is quite open, I preached on the charge 
which our Lord gave his apostles : " Behold, I send 
you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves : be ye 
therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." 
Our conference ended with love-feast and watch- 
night. But when the time of parting came, many 
wept as if they had lost their first-born sons. They 
appeared to be in the deepest distress, thinking, as I 
suppose, they should not see the faces of the English 
preachers any more. This was such a parting as I 
never saw before. Our conference has been a great 
time — a season of uncommon affection. And we 
must acknowledge that God has directed, owned, and 
blessed us in the work. A certificate, as mentioned 
above, had been acceded to and signed in the con- 
ference. 



94 Character and Career of [ l 777- 

"What Have I Done?" 
Friday, 27. I went to Mr. H.'s, and intended to preach 
in Annapolis, but there was no house open for me. 
The next day two of the members of the assembly 
promised to use their influence in procuring me a house 
to preach in, but expected they could not succeed. 
Alas! what have I done? Whose ox or ass have I 
taken, or whom have I defrauded ? But the Lord 
permits it to be so, therefore I peaceably submit, and 
will not fear the face of man, nor even a prison, while 
employed in the cause of God and of truth. How- 
ever, contrary to my expectation, I preached in the 
church, though the congregation was small, and the 
soldiers made a great noise before the door. I then 
concluded to preach the next time in the commons. 
But the rain which fell the next day prevented me, 
and there were but few people at Mrs. D.'s. 

Mr. Kankin's Last Sermon in America, 

Monday, 21. Heard Mr. Rankin preach his last 
sermon. My mind was a little dejected, and I now 
felt some desire to return to England, but was willing 
to commit the matter to the Lord. There was a 
large congregation, and some prospect of good things 
at Mr. S.'s, where I told the people, from the authority 
of Jesus Christ, "Except ye repent, ye shall all like- 
wise perish." Luke xiii, 3. 

Asbury on Predestination. 

Friday, 25. We kept our general fast as appointed 
by conference, and my soul was enabled to cast all 
its little cares, both spiritual and temporal, on Him 
that careth for me. May the Lord direct me how to 



1 7?/.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated, 95 

act so as to keep myself always in the love of God ! 
I have lately been reading an account of Theodosius 
and his sons, with several of the ancient Fathers, 
which also communicates much information relative 
to the Eastern and Western Empires for about three 
hundred years — so long were idolatry and Arianism 
kept out of the Church of Christ. And while Chry- 
sostom was bishop an Arian church was burned at 
Constantinople. But since that time, absolute, un- 
conditional predestination has made its way into the 
Church, which nullifies all laws, human and divine ; 
for if men cannot do otherwise than they do, why 
should any law inflict punishment for their crimes ? 
Must quadrupeds be punished because they do not fly ? 
How easily might men, believing this doctrine, ascribe 
their envy, malice, and most cruel inclinations to the 
effect of Divine predestination, and conclude that their 
most malignant dispositions were eternally decreed, 
and, therefore, not to be conquered but complied 
with, though they should produce the most pernicious 
and destructive consequences in human society ! 

Visits a Prisoner under Sentence of Death. 

Lord's Day, 27. After explaining the parable of the 
sower at Mrs. D/s, I preached at Annapolis to a large 
company — some serious, and some gay and trifling 
— on these compassionate words of Christ, " How 
often would I have gathered thy children together, 
and ye would not ! " 

Monday, 28. As the rain prevented my attending 
the appointment, I visited the jail, and found an 
unhappy mortal under sentence of death, who 
was very ignorant, but so susceptible of religious 



g6 Character and Career of I 1 77 7- 

advice that he was melted into tears and shook like 
a leaf. 

Panting after Holiness. 
Friday y August i. The Lord gave me spiritual 
peace, but my soul was on stretch for a greater 
degree of holiness, and deeper communion with 
God. 

" I pant to feel thy sway, 
And only thee to' obey ; 

Thee my spirit gasps to meet ; 
This my one, my ceaseless prayer — 

Make, O make my heart thy seat ! 
O set up thy kingdom there ! " 

"Poor Eicn Sinners," 

Lord's Day> 3. In the forenoon the poor rich sin- 
ners were very attentive in the school-house on Elk 
Ridge, and it is possible the Lord may raise a peo- 
ple among them to fear and love him. But at Mr. 
R.'s, in the afternoon, the congregation was very dull 
though I spoke strong words from the Almighty's 
awful declaration concerning the ungodly : " These 
shall go away into everlasting punishment. ,, 

A Peaceful and Passive Spirit. 

Wednesday, 13, was spent at Mr. G.'s, and after 
some conversation I found Brother S. was not to go 
with me, because Mr. R. did not choose to spend a 
quarter in Baltimore circuit. Indeed, he has not 
taken a regular circuit since we have been in Amer- 
ica ; so I was obliged to go into a new circuit with a 
young exhorter who had deserted me once before. 
But all contentions wound my spirit, so I passively 
submitted. 



1 777.I Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 97 



An Awful Storm— Beflections. 

Monday, 25. My soul confided in God, but was 
sweetly distressed with an ardent desire for more 
complete holiness. I have lately read Walkers Ser- 
mons with much pleasure. We had an awful storm 
this evening at nine o'clock. The thunder, lightning, 
and sweeping winds were all in commotion. With 
reverence, I turned my mind on the dread majesty 
and power of God, who, by the elements in which Ave 
live, contends with man. Such a scene as this was 
enough to strike the boldest sinner with terror, and 
make him even shudder at a wicked thought. And 
how dare wicked men sin at any time before a 
God so terrible ? Is he less present at one time than 
another ? No, verily ! But they desire not the 
knowledge of God. Their surprise must be great 
beyond all expression when, disembodied, they sud- 
denly find themselves, by woful experience, ac- 
quainted with nothing pertaining to their offended 
God but his inexorable justice and vengeful power, 
of which the awful scenes we now behold in the con- 
tending elements are but a faint resemblance. 
Then how much better is it to suffer affliction with 
the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin 
for a season ! 

Asbury will Live and Die a Methodist. 

Tuesday, 26. T. O. informed me that they had 
made choice of me to preach in the Garrettson Church. 
But I shall do nothing that will separate me from my 
brethren. I hope to live and die a Methodist. 

- 1 



98 Character and Career of [1777. 



Commotions Without— Peace Within, 

Monday, 13. Commotions and troubles surrounded 
me without, but the peace of God filled my soul 
within. We seemed to be in a strait ; but my heart 
trusted in the Lord. These distressing times have 
lately induced many people to pay a more diligent 
attention to the things of God. So I have hopes 
that these temporal troubles will prepare the way for 
spiritual blessings. 

"Calm on Tumult's Wheels I Sit." 

Wednesday ', 5. After riding thirty-seven miles I 
came to Baltimore, but was very weary, though my 
mind was calmly stayed on God. 

Friday, 7. Went to Mr. G.'s, and on Saturday 
preached on 3 John 4 : "I have no greater joy than to 
hear that my children walk in truth/' 

Lord's Day, 9. After preaching with freedom of 
spirit and speech at the Forks, I returned to Mr. G.'s 
and declared, " Ye are the salt of the earth." My 
soul has been kept by the grace of God, and 

" Calm on tumult's wheels I sit." 



Divine Contentment. 

Wednesday, 19. Rode to Risterstown, and found 
that God was my sufficient portion, and my exceeding 
great reward. I wanted nothing pertaining to this 
world more than I possessed ; neither clothing, nor 
money, nor food. Blessed be God for his parental 
love and tender care toward me ! 



1 777-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 99 

" Nothing on earth I call my own : 
A stranger, to the world unknown, 

I all their goods despise ; ^ 0mm ^ 
I trample on their whole delight, 
And seek a country out of sight, 

A country in the skies." 



Asbury on the Eastern Shore. 

Wednesday, 26. I came to Mr. G/s, on my way to 
the Eastern Shore. On Saturday I intended to 
have crossed the bay, but was prevented by the 
weather. My soul has lately felt much of the power 
of God, and I have been enabled to trust him with 
myself and all my concerns. 

Monday, December 1. I left Mr. G.'s, and after 
crossing the bay, came in safety, at night, to Mr. 
H.'s, having been absent more than four years, 
though I was the first of our preachers who carried 
the Gospel into this neighborhood. My heart was 
thankful to God for his providential and gracious pres- 
ervation of me. The next day I went to the island, 
and preached with some warmth, and then returned. 
The two following days we had profitable times, both 
in preaching and class-meetings. 

A Happy Christmas Season. 

Thursday, yamtary 1, 1778. Though the weather 
has been very cold for several days, I have had to 
ride, sometimes a considerable distance, and preach 
every day. This day I preached a funeral sermon 
on the death of a daughter of her who was buried last 
Friday. My text was, " This year thou shalt die." 
Death, like a cruel conqueror, spareth none on whom 



ioo Character and Career of \_ l 77%- 

he seizeth, but sendeth them to the shades of eter- 
nity, without respect to age or condition ! 

Friday, 2. Experienced much of the love of Jesus 
Christ shed abroad in my heart ; and, through his 
meritorious mediation, found a delightful nearness to 
God. Indeed I have found great happiness during 
this Christmas season, and have endeavored to re- 
deem my time by diligent industry. May the Lord 
keep me steadfast and faithful to the end, and bless 
me with an abiding witness that I love him with all 
my heart ! 

Beading Josephns— A Keflection. 

Lord's Day, 1 1. By reason of the snow the congre- 
gations were small, but the Lord gave us his blessing. 
My soul has possessed a holy calm ; and I have 
found the Lord constantly with me, in a greater or 
less degree. I have just finished the last volume of 
Whistons Josephus, and am surprised that, at the 
age of seventy, Mr. Whiston should spend so much 
of his time in such a dry, chronological work. How 
much better was Mr. Baxter employed, when he 
thought himself near to eternity, meditating and writ- 
ing on the Saints' Everlasting Rest. 

Dark Prospects—Strong Confidence. 
Wednesday, 28. My soul had peace, and enjoyed 
sweet rest in God, after all my trials. May I ever 
glorify him, even in the fires ! Dark prospects, in 
temporal matters, present themselves to my view. 
But " the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous ; " 
and he hath promised to be "a wall of fire round 
about " his Church, "and the glory in the midst of 
her." I preached a funeral sermon at the meeting- 



1778.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 10 1 

house on 1 Cor. xv, 20 : " But now is Christ risen 
from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them 
that slept." There were many people on this solemn 
occasion, and my heart was enlarged toward them. 

Lord's Day, February 1. We had a good time at 
Frederick in the forenoon, and I found myself at lib- 
erty, in the afternoon, at Mr. H.'s. My heart feels 
nothing contrary to love and purity, and the effect 
thereof is abundant peace. Troubles stare me in the 
face ; but I have confidence toward God, and without 
perplexing myself with anxious care, will leave all 
events to him. 

Asbury's Estimate of Wesley's Works. 
Thursday, 5. Returned to T. W.'s, with a cold in 
my head and an inflammation in my throat, which de- 
tained me till the Lord's Day. But my time was 
chiefly spent in prayer and reading Flavell's and 
Hartley's works ; though no book is equal to the 
Bible. I have also received much instruction and 
great blessings of late in reading Mr. Wesley's 
Works. There is a certain spirituality in his works 
which I can find in no other human compositions. 
And a man who has any taste for true piety can 
scarce read a few pages in the writings of that great 
divine without imbibing a greater relish for the pure 
and simple religion of Jesus Christ, which is therein 
so scripturally and rationally explained and defended. 

Del.] Under Heaviness of Mind— Cause. 

Friday, 13. I was under some heaviness of mind. 
But it was no wonder : three thousand miles from 
home — my friends have left me — I am considered by 



102 Character and Career of [ l 77%- 

some as an enemy of the country — every day liable 
to be seized by violence, and abused. However, all 
this is but a trifle to suffer for Christ and the salva- 
tion of souls. Lord, stand by me ! 

Lord's Day, 15. My temptations were very heavy, 
and my ideas were greatly contracted in preaching, 
neither was my soul happy as at many other times. 
It requires great resignation for a man to be willing 
to be laid aside as a broken instrument. But, 

" In all my temptations 

He keeps me, to prove 
His utmost salvation — 

His fullness of love." 

How Employed at Thomas White's. 

Monday, 16. I applied myself to the Greek and 
Latin Testament ; but this is not to me like preach- 
ing the Gospel. However, when a man cannot do 
what he would, he must do what he can. 

Wednesday, 1 8. To make the best of my time in 
this partial confinement, I have attended closely to 
my studies, spent some time in instructing the chil- 
dren, and intend to lecture frequently in the fami- 
ly. This day I received information that Brother W. 
was cast in prison at Annapolis. 

Asbnry Changes his Place of Eetirement. 

Thursday, Aptil 2. This night we had a scene of 
trouble in the family. My friend Mr. T. W. was taken 
away, and his wife and family left in great distress of 
mind. The next day I sought the interposition of 
God by fasting and prayer. 

Saturday, 4. This was a day of much Divine pow- 
er and love to my soul. I was left alone, and spent 



1778.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 103 

part of every hour in prayer ; and Christ was near 
and very precious. The next day I preached with 
great solemnity at E. W.'s on 2 Cor. vi, 20 ; and on 
Monday found freedom to move. After riding about 
fifteen miles, I accidentally stopped at a house where a 
corpse was going to be buried, and had au opportuni- 
ty of addressing a number of immortal souls. I then 
rode on through a lonesome, devious road, like Abra- 
ham, not knowing whither I went ; but, weary and 
unwell, I found a shelter late at night, and there I 
intended to rest till Providence should direct my 
way. This is something like the faithful saints of 
old times, mentioned Heb. xi, 37, 38 : " They wandered 
about in sheepskins and goatskins ; being destitute, 
afflicted, tormented ; of whom the world was not 
worthy : they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, 
and in dens and caves of the earth." Though it 
must be acknowledged their trials far exceeded. 

Tuesday, 7. My soul was kept in peace, and I 
spent much of my time in reading the Bible and the 
Greek Testament. Surely God will stand by and 
deliver me ! I have none other on whom I can de- 
pend. And he knows with what intention and for 
what purpose I came into this distant and strange 
land, and what little I have suffered for this cause. 
At night a report was spread which inclined me to 
think it would be most prudent for me to move the 
next day. Accordingly I set out after dinner, and 
lay in a swamp till about sunset ; but was then kindly 
taken in by a friend. My soul has been greatly hum- 
bled and blessed under these difficulties, and I 
thought myself like some of the old prophets, who 
were concealed in times of public distress. 



104 Character arid Career of l. l 77%- 

Oause of Concealment Stated. 

The reason of this retirement was as follows. 
From March 10, 1778, on conscientious principles I 
was a non-juror, and could not preach in the State of 
Maryland, and therefore withdrew to the Delaware 
State, where the clergy were not required to take the 
State oath ; though, with a clear conscience, I could 
have taken the oath of the Delaware State had it 
been required, and would have done it had I not 
been prevented by a tender fear of hurting the scru- 
pulous consciences of others. Saint Paul saith, 
"When ye sin so against the brethren, and wound 
their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ." 1 Cor. 
viii, 12. 

Asbury Eeturns to his First Asylum. 

Wednesday \ 29. Ventured to leave my asylum, and 
under the special providence of God came safe to my 
old abode, where I purpose spending these perilous 
days in retirement, devotion, and study. I want for 
nothing but more holiness, and wonder at the love 
and care of Almighty God toward such a dead dog 
as I am. My spirit was greatly comforted by Psalm 
cvi, 10 : " He saved them from the hand of him that 
hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of 
the enemy." 

His Mind " Twisted and Tortured." 
Lord's Day, 3. My mind was strangely twisted and 
tortured, not knowing what to do. It seems I know 
not how to fight, nor how to fly ; but I am persuaded 
there will be a speedy change in the wheel of Provi- 
dence, either prosperous or adverse. Others are 



1778.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 105 

now free, but I am bound. Reading at present no 
other books on the Lord's days, I have lately read 
the Revelation, with Mr. Wesley's Notes, three times 
through. 

Monday, 4. Satan hath a desire to destroy, or at 
least to disturb my soul. But I pray mightily to 
God against him. O that he may rebuke the tempt- 
er, and make a way for my escape ! 

On Wednesday my temptations were so violent 
that it seemed as if all the infernal powers were com- 
bined to attack my soul. Like Elijah, when perse- 
cuted by Jezebel, I was ready to request for myself 
that I might die. However, about noon the storm 
abated, and my soul was calm. I had felt as though 
I could neither pray nor read ; but the Lord blessed 
my troubled soul while endeavoring to pray with 
Brother E. W. My temptations have been such as I 
never experienced before in the course of my life. 
But God will help me, and I shall yet praise him ! 

"The Mighty Debt of Praise." 

Monday y 11. My mind was deeply exercised, not 
knowing what to do. If the Lord delivers me, I 
shall be bound to praise him ; if I had a thousand 
hearts and tongues, and a million of years to live, 
all would be insufficient for paying the mighty debt 
of praise. Time, and language, and numbers all fail 
in point of praise and adoration for the unmerited 
mercies of a gracious God. 

Two of the Preachers Apprehended. 

Saturday, 16. It will be observed that two of our 
preachers have been apprehended, rather than do 



io6 Character and Career of I 1 7 7^- 

violence to conscience ; and the men by whom they 
were both taken were dangerously wounded within 
a few weeks after they had laid hands upon them. I 
am now resigned to my confinement, and am per- 
suaded that God, by his providence, will show me 
when and which way to go. 

Asbnry Preaches in the Neighborhood of his Eetreat. 

Lord's Day, 7. Being Whit Sunday, I went to the 
barn, weak as I was, and preached on Rom. viii, 7-9. 
My heart was enlarged, and the people were greatly 
melted and alarmed ; and many of them felt the 
gracious drawings of the Father. But, alas ! I am 
as gold in the furnace ! though I must not think it 
strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try me, 
as though some strange thing had happened unto me. 
In my patience may I possess my soul ; and the 
Lord, in his own time, will deliver me. Surely, 
when this mortal shall put on immortality, then shall 
there be an eternal day without a cloud, ease without 
pain, and joy without any mixture of sorrow ! I 
preached again in the afternoon, and found great lib- 
erty in my spirit. Peradventure, the Lord will, in 
this barren place, raise up a seed to serve him. 

Delaware to Become the Garden of the Lord. 

Saturday, 13. For a few days past my mind has 
been variously agitated at certain times by that 
restless, fallen spirit, who so often attempts to break 
my peace ; but my soul has been kept by the same 
omnipotent, gracious arm which has been so frequently 
displayed in my behalf. I went to R. W.'s, where 
all our souls were under the softening influence of 



1778.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 107 

Divine grace in the class-meeting. With animation 
of spirit I preached twice on the Lord's Day to 
large congregations. As the Gospel of Jesus Christ 
meets with indulgence in this free State, I entertain 
a hope that it will prove a general blessing to the in- 
habitants thereof, and that Delaware will become as 
the garden of the Lord, filled with plants of his own 
planting. 

An Improvised Circuit, 

Saturday \ 18. I laid a plan for myself to travel and 
preach nine days in two weeks. This was one step 
toward my former regularity in what appears to me 
as my duty, my element, and my delight. On the 
Lord's Day I met a class in the morning, and then 
preached twice, with earnestness and affection, to 
large, attentive, and serious congregations. My spirit 
was afterward refreshed in the company of some of 
my old friends. 

Asbury Ho Dreamer. 

Lord's Day, 9. Having been informed that some of 
the people were in danger of being led aside by im- 
pressions and dreams, and a weak-headed man hav- 
ing already drawn off a few simple souls, I thought it 
expedient to urge upon them Isaiah viii, 20 : u To 
the law and to the testimony : if they speak not ac- 
cording to this word, it is because there is no light in 
them." While in theory, experience, and practice, 
we keep close to the written word of God, we are 
safe. And if an angel from heaven preach any other 
gospel, saith St. Paul, " Let him be accursed." Gal. 
i, 8. 

Dreams may arise from various causes, and even 



lo8 Character and Career of [ l 778- 

diabolical impressions may sometimes resemble those 
made by the Spirit of God. And it is evident that 
all such impressions as have a tendency to effect di- 
vision, to interrupt the peace of the Church, to draw 
us off from any revealed duty, or to make us con- 
tented in a lukewarm and careless state, cannot come 
from God, because they are contrary to the revealed 
dictates of the Holy Spirit— and the Spirit of truth 
cannot contradict itself. Therefore all impressions, 
dreams, visions, etc., should be brought to the 
standard of the Holy Scriptures, and if they do not 
perfectly correspond therewith they should be 
rejected. 

A Pirm Trust amid the Gloom and Darkness. 

Tuesday, 15. This was a day of peculiar tempta- 
tions. My trials were such as I do not remember to 
have experienced before, and for some time it seemed 
as if I scarcely knew whether to fight or fly. My 
usefulness appeared to be cut off; I saw myself pent 
up in a corner, my body in a manner worn out, my 
English brethren gone, so that I had no one to con- 
sult, and every surrounding object and circumstance 
wore a gloomy aspect. Lord, must I thus pine away, 
and quench the light of Israel ? No ; though he slay 
me, yet will I trust him. 

"Sweet Gales of God's Love." 

Thursday, 24. My frame has been indisposed all 
this week, so that I am almost a stranger to the en- 
joyment of health for any length of time. I have 

been reading the life of Mr. , but think it quite too 

pompous. The praise bestowed on him is too much 
to bestow on mortal dust. What is man, that such 



1778-] BisJiop Asbitry Illustrated. 109 

flowers should be strewed on his grave ? May I ever 
be contented with the honor which cometh from God 
only ! My soul at present is filled with his Holy 
Spirit ; I have a glorious prospect of a boundless 
ocean of love, and immense degrees of holiness open- 
ing to my view, and now renew my covenant with the 
Lord, that I may glorify him with my body and 
spirit, which are his. Seven times a day do I bow 
my knees, to utter my complaints before him, and to 
implore an increase of his grace. But after all, and 
in the midst of all, I can feelingly say, I am an un- 
profitable servant. But though unworthy, utterly 
unworthy, I am blessed with the sweet gales of God's 
love. Blessed breezes ! how they cheer and refresh 
my drooping soul ! What the Lord has for me to do, 
I know not ; but wait to know, and gladly to obey 
every dictate of his unerring pleasure. 

Friday, 25. My soul was still happy in my God, 
and I am powerfully persuaded that I shall yet live 
to be more useful than ever in the Church of Christ. 

Weighty Words on Church Discipline. 

Friday, 30. I put the society in some order at L.'s, 
turning out the disorderly members, which always 
are a weight and a curse to any religious community. 
St. Paul said to the Corinthians, (though alluding to 
only one disorderly person among them,) " Know ye 
not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump ? " 
1 Cor. v, 6. " And the anger of the Lord was kindled 
against Israel,'' for the covetousness of Achan, who 
then dwelt among them. Josh, vii, 1. And who can 
tell how often the Lord is displeased with his Church 
for the wickedness of some of its members ? No 



no Character and Career of [ l 77^ 

doubt but this frequently checks the spiritual progress 
of the righteous, especially if ungodly members are 
known and not dealt with according to the Gospel. 

Asbury Kestless in his Limited Work. 

Monday, 9. I rode to T. W.'s, and cannot help 
esteeming the house as my temporary home, though 
I met with more spiritual trials than in constant 
traveling. Lord, point out my way, and show what 
thou wouldst have me to do ! 

Saturday ', 14. I have spent this week in reading 
and private exercises, and have been much indis- 
posed in my body. But, glory to God ! I have been 
favored with some access to his gracious presence, 
and felt strong desires to be abased as in the dust 
before him. 

Lord's Day, 15. This morning I felt very unwell, 
but ventured to set out for my appointment twenty 
miles off, and found both my body and mind strength- 
ened far beyond my expectation. 

Monday, 16. I preached to a few poor people at W. 
R.'s, and then returned to my temporary home in a 
much better state of health than when I went out. 
Thus is my life at present checkered : I come home 
and grow sick, then go out and grow better, and re- 
turn to meet affliction again. So the Lord is pleased 
to deal with me, to keep my spirit down. Father of 
mercies, let thy will be done ! I am thine, and sub- 
mit to be dealt with according to thy pleasure. 

A Stupefying and Dangerous Sentiment. 

Lord's Day, 22. Some souls were affected while I 
was preaching on 1 Cor. vi, 19, 20, and in a class- 



1778-] Bishop As bury Illustrated. in 

meeting the members of society were greatly quick- 
ened. But it is matter of lamentation to me that I 
do not glorify God more perfectly. On Monday I 
read D/s paraphrase, and admire his spirit, sense, and 
ingenuity ; though I disagree with him in respect to 
the unconditional perseverance of saints. That this 
doctrine has a pernicious influence on the conduct of 
many is beyond all doubt. And a man must live 
above his principles, to be diligent and faithful, under 
the persuasion of such a stupefying and dangerous 
sentiment. 

Asbury Must "Work for the Sake of Example. 

Tuesday ; 15. The Lord blessed me with sweet 
peace, though too much company interrupted my 
private meditations and study. It seems as if I must 
commit myself to Divine Providence, and go forth to 
declare the glad tidings of salvation to the children of 
men, lest others should follow my example of a 
partial silence without sufficient cause. 

Hervey and Fletcher. 

Friday \ 25. This being the day for commemorating 
the Saviour's birth, I preached at E. W.'s with much 
inward freedom, though the audience were not 
greatly moved. 

I have begun to read, for the first time, Mr. Her- 
vey's celebrated Dialogues, and cannot but observe 
his labored endeavors to establish the doctrine of 
" the imputed righteousness of Christ." He seems 
to make it equal at least to the two grand commands 
of our Lord. And why not supersede them ? But 
Providence has brought forth that eminent man, Mr. 



U2 Character and Career of [ l 77%- 

John Fletcher, to manage this subject, whose lan- 
guage appears to be more natural and less studied 
than Mr. Hervey's, and yet in no respect inferior ; 
and his arguments are incontestable, carrying their 
own conviction with them. But of this let the pub- 
lic judge. 

Pa.] Asbury's Pield of Labor Expanding. 

Saturday, January 2, 1779. I reached my circuit 
in Kent, and preached on my favorite subject : " This 
is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, 
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sin- 
ners ; " and there appeared to be some meltings of 
heart among the people. 

Upon mature reflection, I do not repent my late 
voluntary retirement in the State of Delaware. ' Not- 
withstanding all my afflictions and fears, I entertain 
a hope that, after the people have been tried and 
humbled by their present calamities, the Lord will 
yet visit and bless them with spiritual light, purity, 
and consolation. Already I am informed that there 
is a gracious work going on in Sussex in 'Delaware, 
and in Accomac and Northampton counties in 
Virginia. 

The Two Extremes. 
Tuesday, 26. I spent much of my time in reading 
the third volume of Mr. Hervey's Dialogues. I like 
his philosophy better than his divinity. However, 
if he is in error by leaning too much to imputed 
righteousness, and in danger of superseding our 
evangelical works of righteousness, some are also in 
danger of setting up self-righteousness, and, at least, 
of a partial neglect of an entire dependence on Jesus 



1 779-J Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 113 

Christ. Our duty and salvation lie between these 
extremes. We should so work as if we were to be 
saved by the proper merit of our works ; and so rely 
on Jesus Christ, to be saved by his merits and the 
divine assistance of his Holy Spirit, as if we did no 
works, nor attempted any thing which God hath com- 
manded. This is evidently the Gospel plan of man's 
salvation : St. Paul says in one place, " By grace are 
ye saved, through faith ; and that not of yourselves, 
it is the gift of God." In another place the same 
apostle saith, " Work out your own salvation with 
fear and trembling. ,, But some, who see the danger 
of seeking to be justified by the deeds of the law, 
turn all their attention to those passages of Script- 
ure which ascribe our salvation to the grace of God ; 
and to avoid the rock which they discover on the 
right hand, they strike against that which is equal- 
ly dangerous on the left, by exclaiming against all 
conditions and doings on the part of man, and so 
make void the law through faith — as if a beggar could 
not cross the street, and open his hand (at the re- 
quest of his benefactor) to receive his bounty, with- 
out a meritorious claim to what he is about to receive. 
What God hath joined together let no man put 
asunder. And he having joined salvation by grace, 
with repentance, prayer, faith, self-denial, love, and 
obedience, whoever putteth them asunder will do it 
at his peril. But it is likewise true that others who 
see the danger of this, in order, as they imagine, to 
steer clear of it, go about to establish their own 
righteousness ; and although they profess to ascribe 
the merit of their salvation to Jesus Christ, yet think 
they cannot fail of eternal life because they have 

8 



H4 Character and Career of [ l 779- 

wrought many good deeds of piety toward God, and 
of justice and mercy toward man ; and they would 
think it incompatible with Divine justice to sentence 
them to eternal punishment for what they call the 
foibles of human nature, after having lived so moral 
and upright a life. Happy the man who so studies 
the Holy Scriptures, his own heart, and the plan of 
salvation, and daily prays with such earnest sincerity 
to Almighty God, as to see that neither faith without 
works, nor works without that faith which justifies 
the ungodly, will suffice in the awful day of universal 
retribution ! 

Almost a Prophecy. 

Thursday, 28. We had tidings of great troubles in 
the south as well as the north. The gathering cloud 
seemed to lower and threaten with great severity. O 
my God ! I am thine ; and all the faithful are thine. 
Mercifully interpose for the deliverance of our land, 
and for the eternal salvation of all that put their trust 
in thee ! At present my way is measurably hedged 
in by Providence ; but the time may come when I 
shall be useful in the Church of Christ. This would 
afford me more satisfaction than all the riches of the 
East, with all the pomp and grandeur of empires, and 
all the pleasures that can gratify both the imagina- 
tion and the flesh. 

A Sensitive Conscience. 

Monday, February 1. My conscience smote me 
severely for speaking an idle word in company. 
O how frail is man ! It is very difficult for me to 
check my rapid flow of spirits when in company with 



1 779.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 115 

my friends. The tongue is an unruly member ; and 
St. James spoke a sacred truth when he said, " If 
any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect 
man, and able to bridle the whole body." He that 
can on all occasions govern his tongue, will have 
power sufficient to keep his whole body in religious 
subjection. 

A Strong Impression, 

Monday, March 1. I have of late, for the most part, 
had liberty in preaching, and the Spirit of the Lord 
has been with me : and, from my various and peculiar 
exercises, I am strongly impressed with a persua- 
sion that the Lord is preparing me for future serv- 
ices. But, alas ! what cause for shame, on account of 
my great unfaithfulness ! This present life may be 
well compared to a tempestuous ocean : sometimes 
the fair wind of prosperity blows a fresh gale ; at 
other times the cross-wind of adversity rages and 
threatens a hurricane. How difficult it is, in the 
midst of such opposing diversity, to pay proper at- 
tention to the Divine compass, and still pursue the 
right course ! 



x o l 



Trusting in Past Experience. 

Thursday, 25. It appears to me very difficult to 
keep professors from placing too much confidence in 
past experience, and to keep them pressing after 
grace with as much assiduity as at first. How prone 
is man to start from God, and to embrace every ex- 
cuse for the neglect of that best of all duties — living 
in close communion with the Father of spirits ! 
Though I now pray not less than ten times a day, 
yet I find I have need to pray without ceasing. 



n6 Character and Career of l l 7 79- 

Wandering Thoughts in Prayer, 

Lord's Day, 28. My mind was much drawn out in 
prayer, and I believe I have not spent more time in 
this exercise for many years past, if ever, than I do 
now. But my mind has been much perplexed about 
wandering thoughts in prayer, though Mr. Wesley's 
deep and judicious discourse on that subject has 
afforded me no small satisfaction. He hath both 
shown the causes of those thoughts, which are not 
sinful, and incontestably proves that they contract 
no guilt. Yet a devout and tender mind must be 
grieved to find any kind of temptation in that sub- 
lime exercise wherein the whole soul desires to be 
employed. 

Conference for the Northern Stations. 

Wednesday, March 28. Our conference for the north- 
ern stations began at Thomas White's. All our preach- 
ers on these stations were present and united. We 
had much prayer, love, and harmony, and we all agreed 
to walk by the same rule, and to mind the same thing. 
As we had great reason to fear that our brethren to 
the southward were in danger of separating from us, 
we wrote them a soft, healing epistle. On these 
northern stations we have now about seventeen trav- 
eling preachers. We appointed our next conference 
to be held in Baltimore town, the last Tuesday in 
April next. 

Asbury Seeks to Prevent a Separation in the South. 

Monday y May 3. Yesterday we had some melting 
under the word at the house of E. White, and to-day 
I wrote to John Dickins, Philip Gatch, Edward Drom- 



1 779.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 117 

goole, and William Glendenning, urging them, if pos- 
sible, to prevent a separation among the preachers in 
the south — that is, Virginia and North Carolina. 
And I entertain great hopes that the breach will be 
healed ; if not, the consequences may be bad. I am 
now reading Edwards on the Affections. Excepting 
the small vein of Calvinism which runs through this 
book, it is a very good treatise, and worthy the seri- 
ous attention of young professors. I have now been 
about thirteen years employed in the work of God as 
a traveling minister, and, upon a review, I have cause 
to be ashamed, but, at the same time, great reason to 
be thankful that I have not yet grown weary, and 
humbly hope I never shall, while able to travel at all. 

"Why Should we Lose One Hour?" 
Tuesday, 4. I still find it pleasant and profitable 
to be employed in my Master's service both in pub- 
lic and private. My conscience smote me severely 
for lying in bed till six o'clock this morning, no indis- 
position of body being the cause. O ! why should we 
lose one hour when time is so short and precious, 
and so many things to be learned and taught ! 

Preaching for Souls, not for Silver. 
Wednesday, 23. Preached at a new place in a 
meadow to about one hundred people, who were wild 
enough ; after preaching, had to ride twelve miles for 
my dinner. In this our labor we have to encounter 
hunger, heat, and many restless nights with mosqui- 
toes, unwholesome provisions, and bad water. But 
all this is for souls ; were it for silver, I should re- 
quire a great sum. But the Lord is not unrighteous 
to forget our labor of love, and our reward is with him. 



n8 Character and Career of [ l 779- 

"A Lame Separation." 

Wednesday \ 30. I received the minutes of the Vir- 
ginia Conference, by which I learn the preachers 
there have been effecting a lame separation from the 
Episcopal Church, that will last about one year. I 
pity them. Satan has a desire to have us, that he 
may sift us like wheat. 

The Doctor's Means Very Successful. 

Tuesday, 6. I applied to Dr. Ridgely, who pre- 
scribed two blisters of great strength : the two follow- 
ing days I was very ill. 

Friday, 9. I began to mend, and am persuaded 
that the doctor's means have been very successful, 
and feel myself under great obligations to him. 

Beading, Praying, Preaching, and Sea-bathing Combined. 

Thursday, 15. We rode to the sea-side, about forty 
miles from Shockley's. I read part of the Life of 
Mr. De Renty. We came in about two o'clock and 
found a kind reception. We prayed after dinner in 
the family and private ; afternoon went down to the 
sea to bathe for my health ; at night read a chapter 
and gave an exhortation. Brother Allfree and my- 
self prayed ; we rested well. 

Friday, 16. Am kept in peace of soul, yesterday 
and this day ; feel myself as in the presence of God, 
growing in health of body and soul. 

Saturday, 17. I preached on 1 John i, 8,9, to about 
fifty people, simple, but teachable. Some poor men 
in a boat came on shore who had been taken pris- 
oners ; were English and Scotch going to York. I 
called at their tent, read the third of Romans, lect- 



1 779.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 119 

ured to them. They seemed kind and humble ; I 
pitied an old man, near seventy, from Devonshire. I 
went to bathe, called on the distressed people, prayed 
with them. This morning finished reading the book 
of Psalms, which has been my regular reading this 
week past; likewise the eleventh volume of Wes- 
ley's Works, and part of the lives of those men of 
God, Haliburton, De Renty, and Walsh — one of the 
Church of Scotland, another from the Church of 
Rome, the latter a Methodist preacher ; but the work 
of God is one in all. To set aside a few particulars, 
how harmonious does the work of God appear in men 
of different nations and Churches ! I have been in 
peace, but not so much given up to God. I was 
humbled and stirred up to be more heartily employed. 
When shall every thought, word, and action in me be 
holiness to the Lord ? 

Asbury a Bible Student. 

Friday, 23. Arose, as I commonly do, before five 
o'clock in the morning to study the Bible. I find 
none like it, and find it of more consequence to a 
preacher to know his Bible well than all the lan- 
guages or books in the world — for he is not to preach 
these, but the word of God. I preached at G. Brad- 
ley's, in the woods, to about two hundred people, on 
Acts xiii, 26. Had considerable freedom. In the 
evening, at G. Moore's, on Rev. xxi, 6-8. Great 
liberty ; the serious people much affected. 

An Old-fashioned Quarterly Meeting. 
Sunday, August 1. Rainy. I rode to church and 
heard an excellent sermon on Luke xiv, 22. At 



120 Character and Career of [i 7 79. 

three o'clock I preached in the square at Dover ; 
many came to hear. I spoke on Ezek. xxxiii, 30, 
very plain and pointed : how it was taken I know 
not. I am easy and clear in my own mind. 

Monday, 2. Our quarterly meeting began. I was 
detained by rain, but came in about one o'clock. 
Brother Cox preached on Psa. xlviii, 12-14. 

Tuesday, 3. In the morning the rain continues ; all 
things look gloomy. We appointed to meet at nine 
if clear ; if not, at twelve o'clock. About twelve it 
cleared away without such visible tokens as sometimes 
appear. We went to the arbor ; it covers three or 
four hundred people. It is possible we had six or 
seven hundred people each day, from Sussex, Som- 
erset, Queen Ann's, Caroline, Kent, Newcastle, and 
Philadelphia. I preached on Psalm cxxvi, 3-6, and 
was greatly led out ; God was with us. 

"People Will and Will Hot," 
Sunday Morning, 15. Read the law delivered by 
Moses, and our Lord's sermon on the mount ; preached 
at nine o'clock at Boyer's, then went to the church at 
Dover, and preached in the woods at three o'clock on 
Acts xvii, 30. I was plain and faithful, but the peo- 
ple will and will not. Our own people do not keep 
so close to God as they ought ; this injures the work. 

Asbury an Early Eiser, 
Thursday, 26. Rode to Wells's and spoke close, but 
with little liberty, to a serious but not very lively peo- 
ple, on Matt, xi, 4-6. Brothers Wyatt and Allfree 
both spoke after me. This morning I ended the 
reading of my Bible through in about four months. 
It is hard work for me to find time for this, but all I 



1 779-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 121 

read and write I owe to early rising. If I were not 
to rise always by five, and sometimes at four o'clock, 
I should have no time only to eat my breakfast, pray 
in the family, and get ready for my journey — as I 
must travel every day. 

He Prefers the Episcopal Mode of Ordination, 

Friday, 10. I have been employed in writing let- 
ters to the preachers. Lord, help me to speak and 
write to thy glory, and the good of the people I have 
the charge of! I began reading Comber on Ordina- 
tion. Much pomp was annexed to the clerical order, 
though plausible in its way. I believe the Episcopal 
mode of Ordination to be more proper than that of 
Presbyters ; but I wish there were primitive qualifica- 
tions in all who handle sacred things. 



i t>^ 



Brother Hartley Determined to Marry. 

Tuesday, 14. I went to see Brother Hartley, under 
his confinement, who was in jail for preaching, and 
found him determined to marry. He thought it was 
his duty before God. I could only advise a delay till 
he was released from imprisonment. Persuaded him 
to give bail at court, if not released, as I thought he 
would have no trial. All that the opposers wanted, 
was to prevent his preaching in the county. We 
thought his imprisonment was illegal, as he had 
taken the oath in the Delaware State. 

a The Devil will Let us Eead if we Will not Pray." 
Monday, 20. I read thirteen chapters in Revelation, 
which was part of what should have been read yester- 
day, but I had not time. I read also about one hun- 



122 Character and Career of [ J 779« 

dred pages in Comber on the Consecrating Bishops ; 
it is very well if properly attended to. Read fifty 
pages in Salmon's Grammar. It is plain to me the 
devil will let us read always if we will not pray : but 
prayer is the sword of the preacher, the life of the 
Christian, the terror of hell, and the devil's plague. 

Not to be Converted by Thunder and Lightning. 

Friday, 24. Rode to Lewistown. Am ashamed be- 
fore God, under a sense of what he has done for me, 
and how unfaithful and unfruitful I am in every thing. 
I rode thirty miles, and on my way called to hear Mr. 
T., an Episcopal minister. He took care to tell the 
people they were not to be converted by thunder and 
lightning, like enthusiasts, to know the time and 
place. In short, I could not tell what he would be 
at ; but he was legal to all intents and purposes. I 
went to Abraham Harris's : the people were met, and 
Brother Allfree preached ; afterward I delivered a 
discourse on Acts xiii, 26, to an attentive congrega- 
tion, and found my mind at liberty. 

A Curious Motive for Proclaiming a Past. 
Tuesday , 28. I preached to about fifty or sixty peo- 
ple on Acts xxvi, 18. I know not when I was more 
searching, though but little moving among the peo- 
ple. I was told that Mr. W. proclaimed a fast, to let 
the people know what the Methodists were, and told 
them we could not be sent and ordained of God — 
that we must be sent of the devil. I doubt not but 
souls will be brought to God here. I rode to Shock- 
ley's on Wednesday, and preached on Luke xiii, 24-^6, 
to about fifty people ; had great life. The work 



1 779-J Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 123 

of God deepens here, though it is but low with some. 
I have rode about a hundred miles since this day 
week, and preached six times to not more than six 
hundred people. 

The Work Deepens and Spreads. 

Thursday, 7. I prayed frequently, and read the 
first epistle to the Corinthians. I am kept watchful, 
and have some holy breathings after God. I received 
a letter from Brother Ruff: he says the work deep- 
ens in the Jerseys. It spreads in this (Delaware) 
State, also in Talbot, in Maryland. 

Difficulties of Supplying the Work. 

Friday *, 8. Brother M'Clure came over. We settled 
a plan for the next half year, in Maryland, Delaware, 
Pennsylvania, and Jersey. Our difficulties are great ; 
we have not a sufficient number of proper preachers. 
Some who are gifted cannot go into all the States on 
account of the oaths ; others are under bail, and can- 
not move far. I have not spent this day as I ought ; 
perhaps not one in my whole life. I read eleven 
chapters in the second of Corinthians, in course. 
Brother Hartley being bailed from Talbot jail, after 
near three months' imprisonment, came to take Kent 
in my absence. He preached on : " Persecuted, but 
not forsaken ; cast down, but not destroyed." 

An Aged Man Deaf to Scripture and Eeason. 

Monday, 11. I rose at five o'clock, and returned to 
my study. I want nothing but devotion to God, and 
to employ each moment for him. This day I preached 
at John Cannon's, near the chapel, to about three 



124 Character and Career of \_ l 779- 

hundred people, on Acts xvii, n. They did not un- 
derstand much, and felt less. I had a smart contest 
with a man upward of seventy years of age, deaf to 
Scripture, sense, or reason, yet one that has been 
sorely afflicted ; but age, like the word, if it does not 
soften, hardens. I returned to White Brown's : a few 
met me ; I prayed and gave an exhortation. God was 
with us. These I call my children. I find my soul 
feels the good effects of prayer. O ! what can stand 
before faith and prayer ? 

A Puneral Sermon. 

Sunday y 24. Cloudy and rain. This day was ap- 
pointed for Mrs. Jessop's funeral. There were about 
three hundred people ; we had the use of the barn. I 
spoke with great opening on Heb. ix, 27. Was much 
assisted in showing to my hearers, first, What it is 
to die; second, The judgment, with the certain con- 
sequences of both ; third, The appointment for all 
men once to die ; and controverted the argument 
against being saved from sin, drawn from death — 
that it is not a punishment to the righteous ; that 
their constitutions being subject to decay, makes- 
it necessary, and in imitation of Christ, to suffer as 
he did in death, without sin.' I went home with 
D. Polk. 

Quarterly Meeting in Edward White's Bam. 
Monday y November 1. Our quarterly-meeting be- 
gan in Edward White's barn. The three clergy- 
men attended with great friendship. I preached on 
Isaiah lxvi,.6, 7, and had much liberty : there were 
about a thousand or twelve hundred people, and the 



1 779.] Bishop Asbury Ilhistrated. 125 

greater part were serious. Brother Garrettson and 
Brother Ruff exhorted. 

Tuesday, 2. I preached again on 1 Thessalonians 
ii, 13, with more power and application to the people. 
We held our love-feast in the morning ; preaching at 
twelve o'clock ; Brothers Hartley and M'Clure ex- 
horted. There were as many people, or rather more, 
than yesterday ; the barn and the treading-floor 
filled. We had a close conversation with the clergy, 
who informed themselves of our rules, and were will- 
ing to give us all the assistance they could by word 
and deed. 

Friday Asbnry's Past-day. 

Friday^. Set apart for fasting and prayer. Though 
tempted at times, I shall not be overcome. I had 
rather die than sin against God. I read about one 
hundred octavo pages, then applied to the Bible for 
the exercises of the remaining part of the day. I 
began the reading of my Bible through again ; read a 
few chapters in Genesis, visited the sick in the neigh- 
borhood, but ate nothing till six o'clock at night ; had 
various struggles, but the grace of God is sufficient 
for me at all times. Glory be to Jesus ! 

His Apportionment of Time. 

Wednesday, 17. I purpose to rise at four o'clock, as 
often as I can, and spend two hours in prayer and 
meditation, two hours in reading, and one in recreat- 
ing and conversation ; and in the evening, to take my 
room at eight, pray and meditate an hour, and go to 
bed at nine o'clock : all this I purpose to do when not 
traveling ; but to rise at four o'clock every morning. 



126 Character and Career of [ l 779- 

Prefers Death to a God-forsaken People. 

Saturday, 27. Was kept in a calm after the devil 
had been tearing my soul like a lion ; but he hath 
left me for a season. I looked into Rutherford's 
Letters, and they were blessed to me : also looked into 
Doddridge's Rise and Progress of Religion, and that 
was also blessed to me. My soul is waiting on the 
Lord for full Christian perfection. I poured out my 
soul to the Lord for this, and for my brethren in all 
parts of the world, that the power of religion may 
continue with us as a people. I tremble to think of 
the cloud of the Divine presence departing from us. 
If this should be, I hope not to live to see it, and, 
with Mr. Wesley, desire that God may rather scat- 
ter the people to the ends of the earth. I had rather 
they should not be, than to be a dead society. 
Amen, says poor William Spencer. ■ 

Brother Hartley Married. 

Tuesday, 28. A stormy, rainy day. Went to Lewis's, 
but none came. I must spend the whole night in 
prayer, after the example of my Lord ; for temptation 
is to try me, perhaps for my good, as I have many things 
to lift me up. Brother Hartley is now married, and 
begins to care for his wife. I have spent but little time 
to-day in reading or writing. There is a prospect of 
a work of religion in this State if the preachers are 
faithful, but I fear none more than myself; yet sure 
I am that I want to be the Lord's. The hard, cold 
weather is broke at last. People suffer much more 
in winter by cold, and in summer by heat, here than 
in England. I find the care of a wife begins to hum- 



1780.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 127 

ble my young friend, and makes him very teachable. 
I have thought he always carried great sail ; but he 
will have ballast now. 

Asbury's Estimate of Fletcher. 

Thursday \ January 13, 1780. Finished reading the 
First Check. The style and spirit in which Mr. Fletch- 
er writes at once bespeak the scholar, the logician, and 
the divine. 

Oromwell a Prodigy. 

Ttiesday y February 1. At nine o'clock we had a 
love-feast — a time of great tenderness. After some 
time Brother Cromwell spoke. His words went 
through me, as they have every time I have heard 
him. He is the only man I have heard in America 
with whose speaking I am never tired. I always ad- 
mire his unaffected simplicity. He is a prodigy — a 
man that cannot write or read well, yet, according to 
what I have heard, he is much like the English John 
Brown, or the Irish John Smith, or Beveridge's 
Shepherd's Boy. I fear he will not stand or live long. 
The power of God attends him more or less in every 
place, and he hardly ever opens his mouth in vain. 
Some are generally cut to the heart, yet he himself is 
in the fire of temptation daily. Lord, keep him every 
moment ! I preached on 1 Thess. i, 5, and was much 
led out ; there were about five hundred people. This 
meeting will be attended with a great blessing ; rich 
and poor approved the doctrine. 

Satan is a Liar, Christ is True. 

Wednesday, 16. A bright, blessed morning, but I 
am in heaviness through manifold temptations, but 



128 Character and Career of [1780. 

trust the Lord will keep me. Have read in the in- 
tervals of these two days twelve of Mr. Wesley's 
Sermons, and cannot read them without conviction 
and great instruction. God is with me : he is pre- 
paring me for great labors, and I hope yet to endure 
to the end ; but must be more sanctified : 

u Lord, hasten the hour, thy kingdom bring in, 
And give me the power to live without sin." 

Keep me holy and constant in thy work, always in- 
dustrious, that Satan may have no fair occasion to 
tempt. I lectured at Edward White's on John xiv, 
19-21, and had great liberty, love, and life; and the 
people likewise. After all my trials, God blesses me. ■ 
Satan is a liar, and Christ is true, and will never leave 
nor forsake me. 

The Mcolites. 

Sunday, 20. Was solemn in prayer. Spoke on 
James i, 22-24. I was assisted to be close, moving, 
and argumentative ; but have in general hard labor. 
Here they are an unsettled people, and weak of under- 
standing. Preached in the afternoon at the Widow 
Bready's, from James i, 8 : " A doubled-minded man 
is unstable in his ways." This text was pressed up- 
on me to speak from while at Williams's, and I could 
not get over it. In the afternoon I found there was 
a cause ; the Nicolites had been working upon sev- 
eral of our friends, and had shook them with their 
craft. These are a people who sprung from one 
Nicols, a visionary but I hope a good man ; he held 
Qumer principles, but the Friends would not receive 
him^^A certain James Harris is at present their 



1780.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated, 129 

leader ; they clothe in white, take every thing from 
nature, and condemn all other societies that do not 
conform to the outward. If a man were to speak like 
an archangel ; if he sung, prayed, and wore a black 
or a colored coat, he would not be received by these 
people. They were almost asleep when the Methodists 
came, but now are awake and working with simple, 
awakened people. They love, like some other de- 
nominations, to fish in troubled water. They oppose 
family prayer as much as any sinners in the country ; 
and have much to say against our speakers. Profess 
what they will, there is nothing in names. 

Lawyer Basset. 
Sunday, 27. Spoke from Luke xi, 24-27. There 
were many people, and a good time. I showed how 
the devil is cast out, and how he returns ; then rode 
to Dover, and came in just as church was ended. I 
preached with great labor on Acts xxiv, 25. Some 
had eaten and drank more than enough, and were fit 
to go to sleep ; but the greater part were attentive. 
But O ! what a continual burden have I to come and 
preach here ! Went home with Lawyer Basset, a very 
conversant and affectionate man, who, from his own 
acknowledgments, appears to be sick of sin. His wife 
is under great distress ; a gloom of dejection sits up- 
on her soul ; she prayeth much, and the enemy takes 
an advantage of her low state. 

Freeborn Garrettson in Jail 

Thursday, 2. Heard of Mr. Peterkin's death ; he 
died last night. I came to his house, and went to 
Thomas White s. Find it is a fact that Brother Gar- 
rettson was put into jail last Sunday. 

9 



130 Character and Career of [1780. 

Warburton against "Wesley and Whitefield. 

Wednesday, 15. Brother Garrettson expects to come 
out of jail, by the favor of the Governor and Coun- 
cil of Maryland, in spite of his foes. So the Lord 
works for us. In Somerset they are using some of 
Bishop Warburton's Works against Mr. Wesley and 
Mr. Whitefield. I was much blessed in speaking at 
Spencer Hitche's on Titus hi, 2-8, to nearly two 
hundred serious people. Their prejudices wear off. It 
is to be observed, bad as these people were, they 
never persecuted us, as they have done at some other 
places. It cannot be for our being falsely reported 
to be tories, for in Somerset some of our greatest 
enemies are of that stamp. 

Garrettson Eeleased. 

Friday, 17. Rose at five o'clock, prayed, and read 
awhile in an old author, who warmly attacks Popery 
in its capital errors, and in a strong, argumentative 
manner ; but it is full of Greek and Latin quotations. 
I rode to Johnstown, and from thence to William 
Law's ; met Freeborn Garrettson, who came out of 
jail by order of the Governor and Council of Mary- 
land, who had sent to the Governor of Delaware to 
know if F. Garrettson were not a fugitive, and had 
received satisfactory information. Brother Garrett- 
son preached on Matthew xxv, 10: "And they that 
were ready went in with him to the marriage : and the 
door was closed." 

One State too Small a Pield for Asbury. 
Wednesday, 29. Spent what time I had to spare in 
transcribing from Robert Walker a part of one of his 



1780.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 13 1 

sermons to the preachers, and put it in my selec- 
tions. I went to preach at Vincent Dorothy's, and 
spoke on Luke xxiv, 25, 26. Made a faithful dis- 
charge of truth to the people ; they were attentive. 
I have been very much exercised in mind ; the time 
for leaving this place draws nigh. Never was con- 
finement in one State (Delaware) so trying to me. 
Lord, help me, I am weak ! At night I went to 
Edward White's and gave an exhortation ; was 
greatly troubled in mind. 

Weather-bound. 
Friday, 31. Waked before three o'clock, though I 
did not go to bed till after ten o'clock ; was weather- 
bound, and read the second volume of Robertson's 
History of Scotland. The fate of unfortunate Mary 
Queen of Scots was affecting, and the admired 
Queen Elizabeth does not appear to advantage in 
the Scotch history. Prayed an hour this morning, 
and retired twice ; used abstinence, though not so 
severe as I commonly use on Fridays. 

"Keport, say They, and We will Eeport It." 
Monday, 3. Rose at five o'clock, spent some time 
in prayer, and my reading in course to the twenty- 
third Psalm. Preached at Thomas Jones's to about 
sixty careless, ignorant people ; had very little com- 
fort ; spoke from 2 Tim. ii, 19. Read in the after- 
noon the Appendix to the History of Scotland. I 
am in heaviness through the deadness of the people, 
and the lies of the wicked about us — of which there 
appear to be enough ; and it does seem now as if 
they could freely shed our blood. Lord, give me 
faith and patience ! The present state of things is, 



132 Character and Career of [1780. 

Report, say they, and we will report it ; nothing can 
come amiss ; all is fish that comes to the net. The 
wicked will say any thing ; yes, all manner of evil 
against us. 

Asbury Prays for Good Weather. 

Friday, 7. About three days ago I was moved to 
pray for good weather, when I saw what a condition 
we should be in. There is a change in the weather. 
I have peace this morning, and my heart is lifted up 
to God in thankfulness. An appearance of good 
weather : blessed be God ! though, when the weather 
was so uncomfortable, I was tempted to murmur. 
Lord, pardon me in this also ! Surely, what the 
Lord does is right, whether he does it against a 
single person or to a whole nation. Preached at 
Callaway's, on 2 Peter iii, 18, and was blessed. 
There were about fifty souls — an attentive, feeling 
people. After preaching, I rode thirty miles to the 
sea-side : there met Brother Garrettson, confident 
that God had, in a vision of the night, sanctified 
him. 

"John's People Pishing." 
Monday, 10. I have peace of soul, but too much 
talk like trifling ; the devil throws his firebrands, 
but grace is sufficient. I appointed Brother Wyatt 
to keep the ground against, the Baptists, and to 
supply our places here instead of the traveling 
preachers that are going to conference ; for John's 
people intend to come fishing about when we are 
gone. We had a love-feast at eight o'clock ; many 
spoke in a very feeling manner. God was with us at 
eleven o'clock ; I preached on 2 Cor. iv, 12. Brother 



1780.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 133 

Cromwell and Brother Garrettson exhorted. The 
people were moved at what was said, though simple, 
and the same things he frequently says ; but he is a 
man of God, and their spiritual father. 

Asbiiry Sets Off for Baltimore. 

Thursday, 20. Set off for Baltimore, and called at 
Mr. M'Gaw's ; we parted in much affection. Called 
at Mr. Basset's, and had a warm conversation with 
Warner Mifflin. We prayed, and Mrs. Basset made 
a confession of finding peace. We rode to Solomon 
Symon's. 
MdJ The Act against Hoii-Jnrors. 

Monday, 24. We made a plan for the appointment 
of the preachers. Received three epistles from the 
Jerseys, soliciting three or four preachers, with good 
tidings of the work of God reviving in those parts. 
The petitioners I shall hear with respect. I am kept 
in peace. Praise the Lord, O my. soul ! Rode 
to Baltimore, and my friends were much rejoiced to 
see me ; but silence broke my heart. The act 
against non-jurors reduced me to silence, because the 
oath of fidelity required by the act of the State of 
Maryland was preposterously rigid. I became a 
citizen of Delaware, and was regularly returned. I 
was at this time under recommendation of the 
Governor of Delaware as taxable. 

A Happy Thought. 

Tuesday, 25. Our conference met in peace and 
love. We settled all our northern stations ; then we 
began in much debate about the letter sent from Vir- 



134 Character and Career of [1780. 

ginia. We first concluded to renounce them ; then 
I offered conditions of union : 

I. That they should ordain no more. 

II. That they should come no further than Hanover 
circuit. 

III. We would have our delegates in their con- 
ference. 

IV. That they should hot presume to administer 
the ordinances where there is a decent Episcopal 
minister. 

V. To have a union conference. 

These would not do, as we found upon long debate, 
and we came back to our determinations, although 
it was like death to think of parting. At last a 
thought struck my mind : to propose a suspension of 
the ordinances for one year, and so cancel all our 
grievances and be one. It was agreed on both 
sides, and Philip Gatch and Reuben Ellis, who 
had been very stiff, came into it, and thought it 
would do. 

Wednesday, 26. Preached on Acts vi, 4, with liberty. 

Thursday, 27. Read the advice to preachers. At 
twelve o'clock we had a melting love-feast ; preachers 
and people wept like children. At night I preached 
on Acts ii, 48, with great liberty, to about six hun- 
dred people. Joseph Cromwell and Freeborn Gar- 
rettson spoke, and at the recommendation of the 
conference William Watters too. These three volun- 
teered, and were to be my spokesmen. Myself and 
Brother Garrettson are going to the Virginia con- 
ference to bring about peace and union. I am kept 
in peace through much business ; little sleep, cold 
weather, and damp. Lord, return, and visit us ! 






1780.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 135 

Va.] The Virginia Conference— Eeconciliation. 

Wednesday, 3. I rode to Georgetown, from thence 
to William Adams's, in Virginia ; came in late and 
fatigued. 

Thursday, 4. Prepared some papers for Virginia 
conference. I go with a heavy heart, and fear the 
violence of a party of positive men. Lord, give me 
wisdom ! I preached at the chapel in Fairfax, and 
met Mr. Griffith, an Episcopal minister, who was 
friendly, and we spent the afternoon together. 

Tuesday, 9. The conference was called. Brother 
Watters, Garrettson, and myself stood back, and 
being afterward joined by Brother Dromgoole, we 
were desired to come in, and I was permitted to 
speak. I read Mr. Wesley's thoughts against a 
separation ; showed my private letters of instructions 
from Mr. Wesley ; set before them the sentiments 
of the Delaware and Baltimore conferences ; read 
our epistles, and read my letter to Brother Gatch, 
and Dickins's letter in answer. After some time 
spent this w T ay, it was proposed to me, if I would get 
the circuits supplied, they would desist, but that I 
could not do. We went to preaching. I spoke on 
Ruth ii, 4, and spoke as though nothing had been the 
matter among the preachers or people, and we were 
greatly pleased and comforted ; there was some 
moving among the people. In the afternoon we 
met ; the preachers appeared to me to be further 
off; there had been, I thought, some talking out-of- 
doors. When we — Asbury, Garrettson, Watters, and 
Dromgoole — could not come to a conclusion with 
them we withdrew, and left them to deliberate on 
the conditions I offered, which were to suspend the 



136 Character and Career of [1780. 

measures they had taken for one year. After an 
hour's conference we were called to receive their 
answer, which was, they could not submit to the 
terms of the union. I then prepared to leave the 
house, to go to a near neighbor's to lodge, under the 
heaviest cloud I ever felt in America. O, what I 
felt ! nor I alone, but the agents on both sides ; they 
wept like children, but kept their opinions. 

Wednesday, 10. I returned to take leave of con- 
ference and to go off immediately to the north, but 
found they were brought to an agreement while I 
had been praying, as with a broken heart, in the 
house we went to lodge at : and Brothers Watters 
and Garrettson had been praying up stairs where the 
conference sat. We heard what they had to say. 
Surely the hand of God has been greatly seen in all 
this. There might have been twenty promising 
preachers and three thousand people seriously af- 
fected by this separation ; but the Lord would not 
suffer this. We then had preaching by Brother 
Watters on " Come thou with us, and we will do thee 
good ; " afterward we had a love-feast ; preachers 
and people wept, prayed, and talked, so that the spirit 
of dissension was powerfully weakened, -and I hoped it 
would never take place again. 

Thursday ', 11. I rode to Petersburg, thirty-five 
miles, through much fatigue and want of rest ; found 
myself indisposed with the headache. With difficulty 
I spoke at Brother Harding's on " We know that we 
are of God," but was so unwell I could scarcely speak 
at all. Though having prevailed with God and man, 
I yet halt on my thigh. 



1780.] Bishop As bury Illustrated. 137 

Asbury Wanted in Every Part of the Work, 
Wednesday, 17. Rode to the Widow Heath's ; 
about seventy people were waiting for me ; it was 
twenty miles, my horse lame, and the road rough. 
The enemy tried me just before I came to the house, 
as he generally does if the distance is more than I 
expect. I spoke on Luke xiii, 23, and was pointed, 
and had liberty ; God moved ypon the hearts of the 
people. Met the society, about fifteen pious people ; 
most were blessed, and they seem all on stretch for 
holiness ; spent my afternoon in reading and study. 
There seems to be some call for me in every part of 
the work. I have traveled at this time from north to 
south to keep peace and union ; and O if a rent and 
separation had taken place, what work, what hurt to 
thousands of souls ! It is now stopped, and if it had 
not, it might have been my fault ; it may have been 
my fault that it took place, but I felt a timidity that I 
could not get over. Preachers and people making the 
trial, they see the consequences, and I hope will do so 
no more. They have suffered for their forwardness. 
May we all be more prudent ! 

"Always On the Wing." 
Sunday •, 21. I have peace of mind, but fear we 
shall have few hearers to-day. It is not far from the 
rich and great upon James River. I read and tran- 
scribed some of Potters Church Government, till 
ten o'clock ; was assisted in speaking to about two 
hundred people, who appeared very ignorant and 
unfeeling. After awhile I gave them another sermon, 
not very acceptable to me, and perhaps less so to 
them: however, I am clear — they are warned. We 



138 diameter and Career of [1780. 

then set out at four o'clock, rode sixteen miles over 
high hills and deep valleys in the dark, but came 
safe ; went to bed at eleven o'clock, and was up at 
five o'clock. It is well if this will do long ; I am 
always on the wing, but it is for God. 

Great Commotion. 
Tuesday, 30. I rose at five o'clock, with peace of 
mind, and was employed in writing letters to my 
friends in the Peninsula. Then rode to George 
Smith's, preached on 1 Peter iv, 17, to about sixty 
people ; spent some time in speaking ; but had not 
as much liberty as at some other times. Spoke to 
the class ; the people spoke afterward of the good- 
ness of God. Afterward I rode to Bushell's ; some 
were gone home for fear of the horse-press. Captain 
Bushell is dead, and the work dies with him. Before 
I had done prayer there came up soldiers and horses ; 
the people were affrighted, but there was no need. 
The officers came in, and sat down ; one soon tired, 
the other could not stay it out. I spoke from 
1 Peter v, 10, and addressed myself according to my 
audience ; the people were greatly alarmed. I was 
tempted to go back to the north, there is such a com- 
motion in the country. The troops were going to 
Camden, South Carolina. But I must go on and not 
faint in the way. I have been very well off, but am 
following trouble. What matters it where I go, 
what comes upon me, if God is with me ; or where I 
live or where I die, if holy and ready ! 

Slavery— A Petition Answered. 

Sunday, 4. I rode twelve miles to Mrs. Merritt's 
meeting-house ; there were about three hundred peo- 



1780.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 139 

pie, white and black. Spoke on Rom. ii, 7-9 ; after 
sermon I spoke to the society, some of them are 
happy souls ; but there is a slackness in meeting : 
the rules of the society have not been kept up here. 
I spoke to some select friends about slave-keeping, 
but they could not bear it. This I know, God will 
plead the cause of the oppressed, though it gives 
offense to say so here. O Lord, banish the infernal 
spirit of slavery from thy dear Zion ! 

N. 0.1 John Dickins, 

Sunday, 18. I rode fifteen miles to Brother Bus- 
tion's, and preached to about five hundred people ; 
was much led out on Isaiah lv, 6, 7. The people 
were solemnly attentive. I was tempted to think I 
had done well ; but I opposed the devil and over- 
came him. Brother Dickins spoke on charity very 
sensibly, but his voice is gone ; he reasons too much : 
is a man of great piety, great skill in learning, drinks 
in Greek and Latin swiftly, yet prays much, and 
walks close with God. He is a gloomy countryman of 
mine, and very diffident of himself. My health is re- 
covered ; thank the Lord. Thus he makes my 
strength sufficient for my day of glory to God ! 

Kingswood School in America. 
Monday, 19. Rose about five o'clock, was a little 
disturbed in my rest with company. Brother Dick- 
ins drew the subscription for a Kingswood school in 
America ; this was what came out a college in the 
subscription printed by Dr. Coke. Gabriel Long and 
Brother Bustion were the first subscribers, which I 
hope will be for the glory of God and good of thou- 
sands. 



140 Character and Career of [1780. 

Asbury Fording Creeks and Sleeping on the Hoor. 

Monday, 3. Very rainy night, with thunder and light- 
ning. I am grieved to see slavery, and the manner of 
keeping these poor people. I set out for Tar River. 
After riding about five miles I was told I could not 
cross Bear swamp ; but by the guidance of a Baptist 
friend, came through that and two very deep creeks. 
Afterward I left my guide ; we had traveled a few 
miles together, and talked in a friendly manner. 
Rode three miles further, and was stopped by what 
was called Bens Creek ; the bridge was gone, and a 
man said it was ten feet deep. I then made for Fal- 
com's bridge, on little Fishing Creek, but the low 
ground was covered, and no bridge to be seen. 
Lodged at Mr. Falcom's ; was known, and kindly 
entertained. I labored to make Mrs. Falcom sensi- 
ble of her danger, and hope not in vain ; prayed 
evening and morning in the family. 

Tuesday, 4. I rode by Millers cross-roads to Great 
Fishing Creek, a rough way — but got safe along, 
and was comforted in mind ; crossed Great Fishing 
Creek ; stopped at Sandy Creek, where I found a 
kind old man, Brother Howell ; lodged with him, and 
spent my time peaceably. 

Wednesday, 5. Set out to Green Hills ; but with 
difficulty I got along. But this was not all, for in 
going the distance of four miles I rode eight, and was 
tried to purpose. On account of the waters, I have 
ridden about thirty miles out of my way, and am now 
twenty-six miles from the place of preaching to-mor- 
row. Have been happy till to-day ; but when lost, I 
began to feel like fretting against persons and things. 



1780.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 14 1 

O, my God, pardon me in this ! I was very kindly 
entertained, and blessed with fellowship at Green 
Hills ; but never met with so many difficulties as I 
have met with in this circuit. I hope for the greater 
blessings ; am kept by grace, and enjoy health in this 
hot weather, though so far to the south ; have peace 
of soul, bless the Lord ! 

Thursday, 6. Rode twenty-six miles ; exceeding 
hot, and my horse suffered greatly. When I came 
to the place about seventy people were met singing 
and praying. I spoke on Heb. iv, 13-16 ; had not 
much strength of soul or body. The people appeared 
inattentive and their minds full of the present 
troubles. 

Friday, 7. A day of fasting, till near three o'clock. 
I was weak, and lodging on the floor was exceedingly 
uncomfortable. 

A Question Answered. 

Sunday, 16. I rose unwell, and somewhat dejected. 
Lord, keep me from the power of wicked men, devils, 
and sin! Sometimes I think, will that Infinite Being 
we call God, who commands kingdoms, continents, and 
worlds, take care of such a worm as I ? Then I con- 
sider he is Infinite, and cannot be hurried so as to 
forget any person. He can keep me as securely as 
if there were none but myself in the world. Lord, 
give me faith to trust in thee every moment, even in 
my greatest dangers ! I spoke on 2 Thess. i, 6-9. 
I had great light ; but the people seemed hardened. 
I fear judgment will overtake them before they will 
be awakened. I never felt more engaged, and hardly 
a person moved. I read my select Scriptures, and 



142 Character and Career of [1780. 

had my soul much taken up with God ; the few peo- 
ple in society seemed tender at Brother Hartfield's. 

Over Bocks, Hills, Creeks, and Pathless Woods. 

Saturday, 22. We set out for Crump's, over rockSj 
hills, creeks, and pathless woods and low land ; and 
myself in the carriage. The young man with me was 
heartless before we had traveled a mile ; but when he 
saw how I could bush it, and sometimes force my way 
through a thicket, and make the young saplings bend 
before me and twist and turn out of the way, or path, 
for there was no proper road, he took courage. With 
great difficulty we came in about two o'clock, after 
traveling eight or nine hours, the people looking 
almost as wild as the deer in the woods. I preached 
on Titus ii, 10-12. 

Chatham County. 

Monday, 24. Cool, like the fall. I am kept in peace. 
Rose with a sense of God's presence ; have only time 
to pray and write my journal. Always upon the wing, 
as the rides are so long, and bad roads ; it takes me 
many hours, as in general I walk my horse. I crossed 
Rocky River about ten miles from Haw River. 
It was rocky, sure enough ; it is in Chatham county, 
North Carolina. I can see little else but cabins in 
these parts, built with poles : and such a country as 
no man ever saw for a carriage. I narrowly escaped 
being overset ; was much affrighted, but Providence 
keeps me, and I trust will. I crossed Deep River in 
a flat-boat, and the poor ferry-man sinner swore be- 
cause I had not a silver shilling to give him. I rode 
to friend Hinton's, borrowed a saddle, and rode near six 
miles to get three, as we were lost. When we came 



1780.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 143 

to the place there were about sixty people. I was at 
some loss whom to preach to, saints or sinners ; but 
found sinners as unfeeling as those who are out of 
the reach of mercy. I spoke on 1 Peter v, 9-12. I 
was glad to get away, for some were drunk, and 
had their guns in meeting. I expect to see some of 
these people again, and believe they will be humbled 
in time, but I fear not by the Gospel, which they 
have slighted, but by judgments. We came back 
and found a serious family ; was blessed in a family 
meeting. The Lord filled our hearts with his love. I 
had a fever in the night ; rose refreshed in the 
morning. 

Too Lazy to Eide a Circuit. 
Thursday, 10. I rode for the State of Virginia. We 
were lost, stopped at Dickinson's, and took dinner ; 
then rode to Sylvester Adams's, several creeks to 
cross, and bad roads to travel. Edward Bailey led 
my horse down a steep hill, and the carriage overset ; 
the horse struggled, but kept his feet ; one shaft 
broke, which we strapped up, and rode on near thir- 
ty miles. We found the Rawlinses there. Abraham is 
incurable ; I have a mind to try Isaac again, having 
a hope that he is humbled. Lord, direct me what to 
do in this matter. I made proposals to him, but he 
rejected them. I fear he is also incurable, being too 
lazy to ride a circuit. 

Isaac Eawlins Brought to Terms. 

Monday, 14. I brought Isaac Rawlins to some ac- 
knowledgment, and appointed him to ride Pittsylva- 
nia, New Hope, and Tar River till conference. His 
greatest admirers saw his obstinacy, and would have 



144 Character and Career of [l?8o. 

disowned him if he had not submitted ; for they be- 
gan to tire with his lounging about. I hope this will 
be a warning to him, and will make him take more 
care, and submit to order. I preached at Colonel Wil- 
son's to about two hundred people. I spoke on Heb. 
xii, 1-4. 

" Cromwell is the Man." 

Thursday \ 17. I stopped at friend Baker's, being 
very unwell. Brother Bailey went to a chapel ten 
miles from this. I want to write and to recover 
strength or I shall run myself down. I am kept in 
peace, humility, and watchfulness. I have been un- 
well for this week past. This has made it an addi- 
tional burden to travel, and the sun is so violent that 
it appears to me I could not stand it, were it not for 
the top-carriage. I thought it would be well for me 
to have a person with me always, and I think Crom- 
well is the man. If I should preach a systematical, 
dry sermon, he would pay the sinners off. I was 
kept in peace, my body some little recruited. I 
rested comfortably, retired often to prayer, that God 
would go with me to the next circuit. I suppose, 
upon a calculation, I have ridden better than a thou- 
sand miles since February last, when I was at quarterly 
meeting at the sea-side in Delaware. 

A Kunning Life. 

Friday, 25. I rode to Page Mann's, sixteen miles ; 
was much assisted in speaking on Heb. iv, 11-13, to 
about three hundred people, who appeared serious 
and somewhat moved. 

Saturday, 26. Rode to Robinson's, a smith, who 
braced up my carriage. We rode on to Little-Falling 



1780.] Bishop As bury Illustrated, 145 

River, and then to the New Store, where was a com- 
pany stationed. The captain wanted our certificates. 
Bailey disputed with him, I showed him mine. We 
rode on to Great-Falling River. I stopped at one 
Vincent Glass's ; the man was kind, our entertain- 
ment plain. I did not sleep well. We talked with 
our host ; he had catched some notions from the Bap- 
tists and Presbyterians. Though he was going another 
way, he changed his purpose and came with us ; we 
rode twelve miles, over hills and creeks, and through 
woods. About eleven o'clock I spoke on Isaiah xxxv, 
6, 7, to about five hundred people, wild enough. This 
is a running life. The devil roars, and men threaten ; 
but God is with me. I labored to come at the con- 
sciences of the people but could not. I keep my 
health to a wonder ; but I want time for retirement. 
We had near thirty miles from Page Mann's to Sta- 
ples's. I can hardly get time and place to note down 
any thing. I spent some time at the quarterly meet- 
ing in the barn, alone. O how good did that feel ! 

A Eetrospect. 

Sunday, 3. This day nine years past I sailed from 
Bristol, Old England. Ah ! what troubles have I 
passed through ! What sickness ! What tempta- 
tions ! But I think, though I am grown more aged, 
I have a better constitution, and more gifts ; and I 
think much more grace. I can bear disappointments 
and contradiction with greater ease. Trials are be- 
fore me, very great ones, but God hath helped me 
hitherto. I can with greater confidence trust him ! 
And, indeed, what have any of us to trust in for 
futurity except the living God ? 

10 



146 Character and Career of [1780. 

VaJ A Sensible View. 

Friday, 8. My mind is calm ; I have had close 
communion with God. My hours of retirement have 
been kept. When I can get a barn or a preaching- 
house I am happy. Though I have talked much, I 
have kept my temper. I feel nothing but love ; and 
no contradiction I meet with makes me angry. I 
have a natural affection for my own countrymen ; yet 
I can hear them called cruel people, and calmly listen 
to threatenings of slaughter against them. Were a 
people spreading desolation with fire and sword in 
England, I, as an inhabitant, whether the invaders 
were right or wrong, would probably feel as the 
Americans now do, and use the same harsh expres- 
sions : thus I reason, and cannot therefore condemn 
— but the grace of God is sufficient to set us all above 
the world, and all things here. 

Intermittent Pever, 
Sunday, 10. At Bushell's chapel I spoke to about 
four hundred people on the parable of the sower ; and 
although my fever came on before I began, I was 
greatly assisted. I spoke long, and was ready to 
weep over them. After the meeting I rode seven- 
teen miles, and came to Captain Smith's. I have 
traveled since Friday morning about sixty miles. I 
went to bed, and had a strong fever on me all night ; 
it was an intermittent. Monday, very weak, but 
happy ! Received letters from Jesse Hollingsworth, 
from White, and from Peddicord. 



1780.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated, 147 

Asbury Writes to Mr. Wesley— His Answer, 

Saturday \ 16. Wrote to Mr. Wesley, at the desire 
of the Virginia conference, who had consented to 
suspend the administration of the ordinances for one 
year. The answer to this letter was made through 
Dr. Coke, Richard Whatcoat, and Thomas Vasey in 
1784, who all came to America properly ordained. 
And here I will take occasion to correct a mistake 
into which Dr. Whitehead has fallen in his Life of 
Mr. Wesley. It is in that work stated, that had Mr. 
Wesley obtained the consent of the American preach- 
ers and people, he might have sent ministers regu- 
larly ordained to the society in that part of the world. 
The truth is, that the American Methodists, both 
ministers and people, wished to have such ministers 
among them that they might partake, like other 
Christian societies, of the ordinances of the Church 
of God, and when ministers did thus come, they re- 
ceived them generally and joyfully. I will further 
presume that Mr. Wesley received few letters from 
America in which that subject was not pressed upon 
him. I want to be more devoted. I had liberty in 
speaking. God was with us. I am but feeble in 
body, and not so fervent in spirit as I desire to be. 

His Traveling Companion Sick. 

Friday, 6. We went forward to the Fork Church, 
seven miles distant. Brother Bailey was taken sick 
upon the road. I left him about two miles below the 
church, went on and preached on Rom. viii. Return- 
ing to Brother B., I found him very ill with a fever. 
He rode twelve miles in the carriage to Brother Hop- 
kins's in Amherst. Riding on horseback fatigued me. 



148 . Character and Career of [1780. 

Sunday, 8. Rode thirteen miles to the Sugar Loaf 
Mountains. Edward Bailey, after riding a few miles, 
was taken with a second fit, and very ill ; I left him 
in the carriage and proceeded on. About five hun- 
dred people had assembled, to whom I spoke on 
2 Cor. iv, 2-4. Returning after preaching to Brother 
Bailey, I found him with all the symptoms of a severe 
bilious attack, and like a dead man in appearance. 
He passed the night in great distress — prayer was 
made for him ; through mercy his fit went off. I 
took Brother Bailey to help me ; his affliction has 
given me much trouble. Greatly distressed for him 
as I have been, I am much consoled in being able to 
leave him with Doctor Hopkins, who is a kind, skill- 
ful, sensible man. 

Melancholy Tidings. 

Tuesday, 17. Rode ten miles; preached at Stock- 
dale's to about thirty people. Rode on fifteen miles, 
put in at Ragland's ; a Baptist spoke to the family. 
Next morning rode eighteen miles to the Broken 
Backed church ; got in a little after twelve o'clock. 
Preached on Zeph. i, 12. Here I received the melan- 
choly tidings of the death of my companion and 
friend, Edward Bailey. It was very distressing to 
me ; riding together so long had created a great sym- 
pathy between us. He died on Tuesday last about 
five o'clock, in full confidence. He spoke to the last, 
and bore testimony to the goodness of God. He 
would sometimes get upon his knees in the bed, weak 
as he was, and pray. It troubles me to reflect that 
he was i^glected so long, yet it was unavoidable. 
The doclor supposed a mortification took place in his 
bowels, inflamed by the corrosive nature of the bile. 



1780.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 149 

It was a sorrowful quarterly meeting to me. Few 
people ; they lifeless, and my dear friend dead ! I 
spoke to the preachers about a union. 

Asbury Mourns the Death of his Friend. 

Saturday, 21. I set out as soon as it was light, and 
came about three o'clock to the Widow Granger's and 
Ground Squirrel Bridge, a distance of forty miles. I 
travel very heavily now. I have lost my poor Bailey, 
so suddenly called away ! Lord, humble me, and 
make me more watchful ! He desired me to see 
into his temporal matters, for his poor sister, and 
wife and children. I have reason to praise God that 
I have health under such fatigue. I said I should 
have trouble before I went into Fluvanna, yet I little 
thought my friend would die there. If my affections 
were naturally tender, I should be bathed in tears, 
for I have great cause to weep ; but the Lord hath 
ordered it. It may be that I suffer more than those 
who weep away distress. I was ready to say, " None 
shall ride with me hereafter." Satan works upon my 
gloomy mind greatly. I was comforted in meeting 
B., R. B., and T. C. ; a solemn meeting. We have 
lost three useful preachers within one year. The 
Lord cuts Israel short. 

Primitive Way of Traveling. 
Friday, 27. Rode on to Fredericksburg ; my horse 
failed through fatigue, bad feed, and not enough of it. 
I stopped and fed by the way. Mistaking my road, 
I met a serious man, and spoke to him about his 
soul. It may be the losing my way was ordered by 
Providence. Came to Garratt's, at Stafford Court- 



150 Character and Career of [1780. 

house : fell in with a Presbyterian, an acquaintance 
of Mr. Pillmoor ; I spoke freely to him, and had 
prayer. Two young men from Winchester joined us. 
Saturday morning, after paying eight Continental 
dollars for my horse, and my supper and bed, I rode 
on to Dumfries, about twelve miles. Rode on four 
miles further, fed my horse, and got a cup of boiled 
milk for myself. Here my paper-money failed, and I 
was obliged to pay in silver. Rode on, carrying my 
corn, and fed upon the road. Missing my way to 
William Adams's, when on the south side of Col- 
chester, I went down the State road, within two miles 
of Alexandria, making my journey near fifty miles. 
My horse was much fatigued, and myself in a fever 
with hard riding. I was blessed in the family I put 
up with. O, how sweet is rest ! But O for eternal 
rest ! 
Md,] At Mr. (rough's once More, 

Monday, 30. Crossed Georgetown ferry ; stopped 
at Baggarley's. Rode on in great peace, and came 
to John Worthington's about five o'clock, after a ride 
of thirty miles. I was kindly entertained. I called 
at Mr. Thomas Dorsey's ; kind people. I breakfasted 
with them. I put forward to Baltimore. When within 
about two miles there came up an autumnal storm ; 
there was fear of the trees falling, and that the wind 
would overset the carriage. I came in safe, stopped 
an hour, and proceeded on to Mr. Gough's, and ar- 
rived between eight and nine o'clock. There has 
been some snow to-day, and the night is cold. I 
have spent my stock of money, three guineas and 
two half johannas, given me by Mr. Gough and 
Mrs. Chamier. Two guineas and a half and a half- 



1 780.] BisJiop Asbury Illustrated. 1 5 1 

crown went in Virginia. Rode on about twelve miles 
to dinner, eight miles afterward to Swan Creek, being 
kept in peace. 

Del.] Quarterly Meeting at Dover. 

Friday ', 3. Set off for my favorite Dover. 

S?mday, 5. We had between one and two thousand 
people. Our house, forty-two by forty-eight, was 
crowded above and below, and numbers still remained 
outside. Our love-feast lasted about two hours ; some 
spoke of the sanctifying grace of God. I preached on 
John iii, 16-18 ; a heavy house to preach in. Brothers 
Peddicord and Cromwell exhorted. 

A Eecord of Six Months. 
Tuesday, 7. I was closely engaged in reading a 
volume of Mr. Wesley's Journal of above three hun- 
dred pages ; ended it on Wednesday morning. I 
felt dejection of spirits for want of public exercise. I 
have had so much of this, that within this six months 
I have traveled, according to my computation, two 
thousand six hundred and seventy-one miles, yet am 
uneasy when still. I proposed meeting the children 
when I came again. I appointed a place for them to 
sit, and desired the parents to send a note with each, 
letting me know the temper and those vices to which 
the child might be most subject. I long to spend a 
few minutes every hour in prayer. I see great need 
of living near to God — the people are so affectionate. 
Lord, humble me ! 

Asbury's Work Laid Out. 
Friday, 1 7. A day of fasting. We all parted after 
much business. S. Roe went to Sussex ; the two 



152 Character and Career of [17S0. 

Cromwells for the circuit, (Kent, in Delaware ;) Ped- 
dicord to Dorset ; myself to go through Kent and 
Sussex — then to the Jerseys, Philadelphia, and 
Chester. I wrote to Watters, Dudley, and Debrular. 
Friday, set out for Murder-Kill, stopping at Combs's 
that night. I spoke freely to the man upon his 
mysticism, and to the family about their souls. 

Fervent Prayer for the Work of God. 
Friday, 8. Was under dejection. Read thirty 
chapters of Isaiah. Rode to Dill's ; had about forty 
people ; was much led to speak to the poor. Fasted, 
and intended to spend a great part of the night in 
prayer, but I felt weak through want of rest. I spent 
better than an hour in fervent prayer and was much 
blessed, having my soul divinely filled with love 
when I lay down. Rose about five o'clock in better 
health ; passed some time in fervent prayer for the 
whole work — the preachers and people. Thomas 
Haskins is a young man of learning, and has been 
studying the law ; like William Spencer, he has given 
it up for grace and divinity. Glory be to God ! I 
believe the Lord has called Thomas Haskins for a 
preacher ; he was convinced in Dover some months 
ago. 

Bleeding and Blistering. 

Saturday, 30. While I was preaching I was seized 
with a putrid sore throat ; the attack was violent. 
Sabbath Day I took physic, and applied two blisters 
that drew kindly ; afterward put one on the back of 
my neck, and another behind the ear ; had some 
blood taken from the arm, and some from the tongue, 
and it pleased kind Providence to relieve me sooner 



1 78 1.] Bishop Asbitry Illustrated. 153 

than I expected. I desire to give thanks to God for 
patience and resignation. 

January 1-4, 178 1. Pain ! pain ! pain ! $tk. Found 
myself considerably amended, so that I sat up and 
did a little business. 

The Wilds and Swamps of Delaware, 
Lord's Day, 14. Being rainy, we had only about 
one hundred and twenty serious people at the place 
appointed. The people here are much more gentle 
than they were a twelvemonth past. We have a 
society of more than twenty members, some of whom 
have found the Lord ; but I think, for ignorance of 
God and religion, the wilds and swamps of Delaware 
exceed most parts of America with which I have 
had any acquaintance. However, God is able of 
these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 

Bad Habits Soon Learned. 

Monday, 22. On my way to P.'s I came on a 
race-ground, where the sons of Belial had been prac- 
ticing my horse. He ran away with me when he came 
to the end of the paths, but stopped, and I received 
no harm. I lifted my heart to God, and by the 
mercy of the Lord he stopped near a point of woods, 
which, had he entered, I might probably have lost 
my life. My heart w r as deeply humbled before the 
Lord, who preserved me from such imminent danger. 

Asbury True to his Colors. 

Sunday, February 4. I preached, and had some of 
the Council and members of the Assembly to hear 
me. I spoke plainly ; intending my discourse as a 
vindication of the doctrine of the Methodists. 



154 Character and Career of [1781. 

Monday, 5. On my way to quarterly meeting, held 
at the Valley preaching-house, I called on his 
Excellency, Governor Rodney, to sign my certificate, 
which he did with great readiness and politeness. 

Pa,] In Philadelphia. 

Saturday, 10. My soul enjoys peace, and I rejoice 
to hear that the work of God is deepening and 
widening in the Jerseys. My old friends here in 
Philadelphia appear loving to me, but they are not 
united as they ought to be. 

Tuesday, 13. After casting in my mite, by saying 
and doing what I could in Philadelphia, I left my 
kind friends and set off for New Jersey. 

H. J,] Benjamin Abbott, 

Wednesday, 14. I met with and heard B. Abbott. 
His words came with great power. Over in Chester, 
he informs me, twenty were renewed in love, and 
eight on this side ; the people fall to the ground 
under him, and sink into a passive state, helpless, 
stiff, motionless. He tried to attach himself to other 
sects, but had such struggles within that he was 
forced back — the Lord would not let him be any 
thing but a Methodist. Such is his account. He is a 
man of uncommon zeal, and (although his language 
has somewhat of incorrectness) of good utterance. 
Here, I find, remains the fruit of the labors of that 
(now) miserable man, A. Whitworth. How awful the 
thought, that God should own a man and make him 
a blessing to many souls, and then lay him aside 
like a broken instrument ! Yet so it was, because 
of his sin. May others take warning by his fall ! 



1 78 1.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 155 

Asbury a Eapid Eeader. 
Friday, March 2. My soul enjoys peace, and I have 
a little respite from the haste I have been in for some 
time past ; nevertheless, I have read the first and 
second volumes of Rollin's Ancient History (con- 
taining about three hundred pages each) in about 
two weeks. We may justly admire the policy and 
the temperance of the Persians ; and it is very satis- 
factory to find a more particular account corroborat- 
ing the Scripture history of the fulfillment of the 
prophecies concerning that great man Cyrus, called 
of God. 

Pa.] Again in Philadelphia. 

Saturday, 3. Rode to Philadelphia, where I preached 
but twice. I met the society, which was made a bless- 
ing to some, and I am persuaded that my stay would 
be a means of the prosperity of the society here ; 
but it is possible I may be more useful where I am 
going. 

Tuesday, 6. Read the fourth volume of Rollin's 
Ancient History. It contains the memorable life of 
Socrates, who was certainly a wise man ; but, as the 
worthy historian remarks, there were many blemishes 
in his character. 

Del.] Eeview of his Travels, 

Saturday, 24. I was much led out in speaking of 
Peter's fall at my favorite place. I am greatly com- 
forted with the good news of Zion's prosperity. 
Upon a review of my travels I find that, from the 
first of last May to this present date, I have traveled 
nearly or quite four thousand miles. 



156 Character and Career of [1781. 

Twenty Preachers at Conference. 

Saturday, April 14. Our quarterly meeting began at 
the Forest chapel, the congregation was large. I spoke 
first, and was followed by Brothers C, R. C, and 
L. ; the people were quickened and appeared much 
alive to God. The next day, being Easter Sunday, 
our love-feast began at nine, and public preaching at 
eleven o'clock. After meeting we rode about twenty 
miles to Brother White's, where about twenty preach- 
ers met together to hold a conference. Thence I at- 
tended Kent quarterly meeting, on the Eastern Shore 
of Maryland. 
Md.] Harmony of the Preachers, 

Friday, 20. Crossed the Chesapeake, and came to 
Mr. Gough's. Saturday I rode to Baltimore, and 
preached on the Sabbath day. 

Ttcesday, 24. Our conference began in Baltimore, 
where several of the preachers attended from Vir- 
ginia and North Carolina. All but one agreed to 
return to the old plan, and give up the administration 
of the ordinances. Our troubles now seem over from 
that quarter, and there appears to be a considerable 
change in the preachers from North to South. All 
was conducted in peace and love. 

Harry, the Black Man. 
Sunday, 13. Preached at the chapel ; afterward 
Harry, a black man, spoke on the barren fig-tree. 
This circumstance was new, and the white people 
looked on with attention. 

Va.] Wicked Whisky Drinkers. 

Sunday, June 10. I preached at eleven o'clock to 
about two hundred people with a degree of freedom. I 



1 78 1 .] Bishop As bury Illustrated. 1 5 7 

then rode to R. Williams's. On my way I had a view 
of a hanging rock that appears like a castle wall, about 
three hundred feet high, and looks as if it had been 
tbuilt with square slate stones. At first glance a trav- 
eler would be ready to fear it would fall on him. I 
had about three hundred people ; but there were so 
many wicked whisky drinkers, who brought with 
them so much of the power of the devil, that I had 
but little satisfaction in preaching. 

Wonderful Oaves, 
Thursday r , 21. Last evening I rode a mile and a 
half to see some of the greatest natural curiosities 
my eyes ever beheld : they were two caves, about 
two hundred yards from each other. Their en- 
trances were, as in similar cases, narrow and descend- 
ing, gradually widening toward the interior, and 
opening into lofty chambers, supported, to appearance, 
by basaltic pillars. In one of these I sung, 

" Still out of the deepest abyss." 

The sound was wonderful. There were stalactites, 
j resembling the pipes of an organ, which, when our 
I old guide, Father Ellsworth, struck with a stick, 
emitted a melodious sound, with variations according 
to their size ; walls, like our old churches ; resem- 
blances to the towers adjoining their belfries ; and the 
natural gallery, which we ascended with difficulty. 
All to me was new, solemn, and awfully grand. There 
were parts which we did not explore, so deep, so 
damp, and near night. I came away filled with won- 
der, with humble praise, and adoration. 



158 Character and Career of [1781. 

Sleeping Among the Eocks. 

Monday, July 16. We set out through the mount- 
ains for quarterly meeting. It was a very warm day, and 
part of our company stopped, after thirty miles' travel-' 
ing. Brother William Partridge and myself kept on 
until night overtook us in the mountain, among rocks, 
and woods, and dangers on all sides surrounding us. . 
We concluded it most safe to secure our horses and 
quietly await the return of day ; so we lay clown and 
slept among the rocks, although much annoyed by 
the gnats. Next day I met with several preachers, 
with whom I spent some time in conversation about 
the work of God. At twelve o'clock the people at 
Perrill's met, and we all exhorted. 

Friday, 20. I had some liberty on 2 Cor. vi, 2. I 
have been obliged to sleep on the floor every night 
since I slept in the mountains. Yesterday I rode 
twenty-seven miles, and to-day thirty. 

Mel.] Asbury Sick— Severe Treatment. 

Sunday, August 12. Was a damp, unwholesome day. 
At Micah Dorsey's, Elkridge, I was seized with all 
the symptoms of an inflammatory sore throat. I bled, 
took medicine, and applied blisters, but the disease 
was too violent to yield at once. Very high fever fol- 
lowed, and I suffered more than I can well express. 
I made use of poultice with better success ; the 
gathering broke, and I found some relief. I praise 
God that his providence cast my lot among so kind a 
people. Food, lodging, a physician, (Dr. Pew,) and 
whatever else was necessary, was not withheld. I 
am sensible I am not so humble as I should be, and 
it may be I am in danger of forming improper esti- 






1 78 1 .] Bishop Asbury Illustrated, 159 

mates of my importance among preachers and 
people. Were this disposition indulged, God might 
justly cut me off. 

Persecution— Spiritual Prosperity. 
Monday, Septtmber 10. I learn that the Lord is re- 
viving his work on the Eastern Shore, more or less, 
in every circuit. The wicked persecute, and Satan 
rages in Dorset, but God will carry on his own work 
and maintain his own cause. 

Asbury soon Tires of the City. 

Friday, 12. Came to Philadelphia; found the people 
serious, loving, and lively. The society here appears 
to be in a better state than they have been in since 
the British army was here. 

Sunday, 14. I had some comfortable sensations in 
speaking on John hi, 14. Our congregations are 
large, and I hope for a revival of the work among 
us. I heard two good sermons at St. George's, I 
gave them a plain discourse at night at St. George's, 
on 1 John i, 8, 9. 

Tuesday, 16. I enjoy peace, but I soon grow tired 
of the city. There is a deepening of the work in 
some souls, but I fear the religion of others evapo- 
rates in talk. 

Harry in Danger. 

Saturday, 2J. My intervals of time are employed 
in marking Baxter's Cure for Church Divisions 
for abridgment, which may some day see the light. 
My soul is drawn out to God to know whether I 
ought to go to Virginia this winter, in order, if pos- 
sible, to prevent the spreading of the fire of division. 
I do not look for impulses or revelations. The voice 



160 / Character and Career of [ l 7% 1 - 

of my brethren and concurrent circumstances will 
determine me in this matter. Harry seems to 
be unwilling to go with me. I fear his speaking so 
much to white people in the city has been, or will 
be, injurious. He has been flattered, and may be 
ruined. 

Del.] A Thousand at Quarterly Meeting. 

Saturday, November 3. We had twelve preachers 
and about one thousand people at quarterly meeting. 
This evening our quarterly-meeting conference begun. 
We scrutinized and dealt with fidelity one with the 
other. Nothing would satisfy the preachers but my 
consenting to go to Virginia. There appear, at 
times, to be great movings among the people, but 
there seems to be a slackness of discipline among 
the preachers and them. This evil must be cured, or 
the work will be injured. 

Md.] Asbury in Baltimore. 

Thursday, December 6. Came to Baltimore. Here 
I received letters from Virginia, by which I learn that 
affairs are not so bad in Virginia as I feared ; a few 
of the local preachers have made some stir, and the 
traveling preachers have withdrawn from them and 
their adherents. I have spent some time in Balti- 
more with satisfaction, and could freely stay longer ; 
but there may be danger in these trading towns, and 
my way south seems to be open. 

Va.] Party Spirit Among the People, 

Wednesday, 19. Preached in Leesburg. From 
thence I traveled and preached through Hanover and 
Gloucester circuits. I find the spirit of party among 
some of the people. The local preachers tell them 



1782.] Bishop Asbnr$ Illustrated. 161 

of the ordinances, and they catch at them like fish at 
a bait. But when they are informed that they will 
have to give up the traveling preachers I apprehend 
they will not be so fond of their new plan ; and if I 
judge right, the last struggle of a yielding party will 
be made at the approaching conference to be held at 
the Manakintown. 

N. 0.] Asbnry's Kule in Praying for the Church. 

Thursday, February 7, 1782. I rode sixteen miles, 
and preached to a large assemblage of people at I. 
T.'s on the " great salvation." Though I am often 
in haste, and straitened for want of time, I have gone 
through Mr. Wesley's third volume once, and am 
going through it again. I make it a rule to spend 
an hour, morning and evening, in meditation and in 
prayer for all the circuits, societies, and preachers. I 
expect to see the work of God revive in these parts 
so soon as the spirit of disputation is cast out. 
Blessed be God, I enjoy good health of body and 
peace of mind! I find no preaching does good but 
that which properly presses the use of the means, 
and urges holiness of heart. These points I am 
determined to keep close to in all my sermons. 

VaJ Expecting Better Entertainment. 

Saturday, 9. We rode twenty-five miles up Maher- 
rin, and missing our way, did not reach the place un- 
til three o'clock. The people, meantime, had waited 
for us, and I spoke to them on Luke xix, 10, I trust 
not in vain. In this country I have to lodge half my 
nights in lofts, where light may be seen through a 
hundred places, and it may be the cold wind at the 
same time blowing through as many ; but through 

11 



1 62 Character and Career of [1782. 

mercy I am kept from murmuring, and bear it with 
thankfulness, expecting ere long to have better enter- 
tainment — a heavenly and eternal rest. 

N. 0.] The Best Antidote. 

Thursday, 21. I am filled with love from day to 
day. O bless the Lord for the constant communion 
I enjoy with him ! Sanctification is the doctrine 
which is most wanted to be preached among the 
people here, whom the more I know the more I love. 
Antinomians are laboring to spread their tenets 
among them, but they will give way as holiness of 
heart and life is pointedly enforced and pressed home 
upon their consciences. This is the best antidote to 
the poison. 
Va.] Philip Adams. 

I preached the funeral sermon of Philip Adams, 
one of our preachers. He died last March. This 
duty I performed the more cheerfully, believing that 
such would have been his choice had I been within 
reach at the time of his death. My subject was 
1 Kings xiii, 30. P. A. was a man of grace, and his 
gifts increased ; he was steady, and closely attached 
to the doctrine and discipline of the Methodists ; he 
died happy in the Lord, and I doubt not but that he 
has gone where the wicked cease from troubling and 
the weary are at rest. 

IT. 0.] Mr. Kennon— His Keligion and Greed 

Sunday, March 3. I have great affection for C. 
Kennon, one of the most sensible Calvinists in these 
parts. He acknowledges he found his religion among 
the Methodists ; his system he borrowed from Wit- 
sius. Fletcher has cured him of the disease of dispu- 



1782.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 163 

tation ; he reads him with delight even while he is 
prostrating the pillars against which he leans. 

Asbury Successful as a Peace-maker. 
Tuesday, April 16. We set out, and on the next 
day reached Ellis's, at whose house we held a con- 
ference. The people flocked together for preaching*. 
Mr. Jarratt gave us a profitable discourse on the four- 
teenth chapter of Hosea. In the evening the preachers 
met in conference. As there had been much distress 
felt by those of them in Virginia relative to the ad- 
ministration of the ordinances, I proposed to such 
as were so disposed to enter into a written agree- 
ment to cleave to the old plan in which we had been 
so greatly blessed, that we might have the greater 
confidence in each other, and know on whom to 
depend. This instrument was signed by the greater 
part of the preachers without hesitation. Next morn- 
ing I preached on Phil, ii, 1-5. I had liberty, and 
it pleased God to set it home. One of the preach- 
ers, James Haw, who had his difficulties, was delivered 
from them all, and with the exception of one, all the 
signatures of the preachers present were obtained. 
We received seven into connection, and four remained 
on trial At noon Mr. Jarratt spoke on the union of 
the attributes. 

Va,l Eejoices in the News of American Independence. 

Friday, June 10. I preached at Culpepper court- 
house. The people were serious and attentive. Here 
I heard the good news that Britain had acknowledged 
the Independence for which America has been con- 
tending. May it be so ! The Lord does what to 
him seemeth good. 



164 Character and Career of [1782. 

Md,] Baltimore Conference—General Statistics. 

Monday, 20. A few of us began conference in Balti- 
more. Next day we had a full meeting. The preach- 
ers all signed the agreement proposed at the Virginia 
conference, and there was a unanimous resolve to 
adhere to the old Methodist plan. We spent most 
of the day in examining the preachers. We had 
regular daily preaching. Monday, Brother Ellis 
preached ; on Tuesday, I spoke on 1 Tim. iv, 4. 

Wednesday, 22. We had many things before us. 
Our printing plan was suspended for the present for 
want of funds. 

Friday, 24. Was set apart for fasting and prayer. 
We had a love-feast, the Lord was present, and all 
was well. The preachers in general were satisfied. I 
found myself burdened with labors and cares. We 
have now fifty-nine traveling preachers, and eleven 
thousand seven hundred and eighty-five in society. 
Our young men are serious, and their gifts are 
enlarged. 
VaJ Sick and Weary. 

Sunday, "July 7. In recrossing the mountain, on my 
way to Mill Creek, I was obliged to walk up and down 
its sides, and was greatly tired. I delivered a short 
discourse, with pleasure, to about three hundred 
people ; afterward Brother Hagerty spoke to them. 
It rained before and after preaching, but held up 
while we worshiped by the side of the stream for 
want of a house. After preaching we rode to the 
Branch, making a Sabbath-day 's journey of nearly 
forty miles. 

Monday, 8. I am sick and weary. Ah ! how few 
are there who would not choose strangling rather 



1782.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 165 

than life and the labors we undergo, and the hard- 
ships and privations we are compelled to submit to ! 
Blessed be God, we have hope beyond the grave ! 

"My Poor Horse," 

Friday, 12. Rode to the north Branch, crossed the 
Nobbly Mountain ; at its foot we stopped, ate a little 
bread, drank fine water, prayed, and then went for- 
ward to Cressaps. I was plain on Isaiah lv, 6, 7. 
Here Colonel Barrett met me and conducted me 
two miles up the Alleghany. We were riding until 
near ten o'clock ; the road was dreary, and the night 
was dark. I wanted rest and found it. We had 
nearly two hundred people to hear in this newly-set- 
tled country. They were attentive, and I hope God 
will do something for them. After preaching on 
John vii, 17, we set out on our return. I was much 
fatigued, and it rained hard ; my poor horse, too, was 
so weak from the want of proper food that he fell down 
with me twice. This hurt my feelings exceedingly, 
more than any circumstance I met with in all my 
journey. 
Md.] Inactivity Embittered. 

Saturday, 27. Being unwell, I declined going to 
Baltimore and went to Perry Hall, where I found my 
dear friend Thomas White. On the Sabbath day we 
read prayers in the family, and I preached in the 
afternoon on 2 Chron. xxxii, 24, 25. 

Monday, 29. Closely employed in answering letters 
from various parts. I find it hard to keep the power 
of religion ; yet I feel that my soul is stayed upon 
God. I want to be moving on. If I rest a few days 
I am tried. Blessed be God, who thus embitters 



1 66 Character and Career of [1782. 

inactive quiescence to me ! I am impelled forward 
by my desires of comfort for myself, and sincere 
wishes to be useful to the Church and to the world 
of sinners. 

Pa,] Philadelphia a Noisy, Disagreeable Place. 

Tuesday, August 27. After preaching to a small 
congregation of unengaged hearers we rode to Phila- 
delphia. What a noisy, disagreeable place ! O for 
some of that simplicity which dwelt among the dwell- 
ers in tents ! But the souls of the people are precious. 

U, J,] Poor Gospel-hardened Trenton. 

Tuesday, September 3. Rode to Trenton ; the town 

in a great bustle with the court and the French 

troops. My subject was the Syrophenician woman. 

The congregation was large and serious. Ah, poor 

Gospel-hardened Trenton ! But a few have been 

converted of late. 

William Tennent. 

Saturday, 14. I came to New Mills after preach- 
ing at H.'s and Penny Hill. I passed through Mon- 
mouth and Upper and Lower Freehold. Here lived 
that old saint of God, William Tennent, who went to 
his reward a few years ago. 

Pa.] Labors— Begging for Church Debt. 

Monday, 16. After preaching at Mount Holly to a 
crowded congregation, I rode, very unwell and under 
deep exercises of mind, to Philadelphia — twenty 
miles. I have preached seventeen times, and ridden 
above two hundred miles in the last two weeks. I 
think God will do great things in the Jerseys ; the 
prospect is pleasing, east and west. 



1782.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 167 

Monday, 23. I began begging for the society, that 
we might, if possible, relieve our preaching-house 
from the incumbrance of ground-rent. I soon got 
about ^270 subscribed. 

Del,] White's Hew Chapel. 

Saturday, 28. Preached in Thoroughfare Neck, 
(twenty miles,) and then returned to Wyatt's and 
preached with liberty ; thence I hastened on to Dover, 
and at six o'clock delivered my third discourse, mak- 
ing a journey of forty miles. We know not what we 
can do until we try. 

Sunday, October 6. I preached in White's new 
chapel for the first time. It is one of the neatest 
country chapels the Methodists have on the whole 
continent. My subject was Haggai ii, 9 : " In this 
place will I give peace." 

VaJ Williamsburg the Former Capital. 

Wednesday, December II. I rode to Williamsburg, 
formerly the seat of government, but now removed to 
Richmond. Thus the worldly glory is departed from 
it. As to Divine glory it never had any. I preached 
in James City court-house. The place has suffered 
and is suffering. The palace, the barracks, and some 
good dwelling-houses burned. The capitol is no great 
building, and is going to ruin ; the exterior of the 
college not splendid, and but few students ; the 
Bedlam-house is desolate, but whether because none 
are insane, or all are equally mad, it might, perhaps, 
be difficult to tell. 



i68 Character and Career of [1783. 

A Cold State of Things. 

New Years Day, 1783. I have passed through 
Gates, Hartford, Bertie, and Northampton counties, 
in North Carolina. I am now in Southampton coun- 
ty, in Virginia, and have this day preached in St. Paul's. 

Monday, 6. After preaching at H. C.'s we rode 
twenty miles to Greaves's, where I met with Mr. 
Jarratt. On Tuesday he preached for me at R. 
Jones's. I exhorted ; the meeting was lively. 

Tuesday, 14. Wolsey's barn. Cold day, cold house, 
cold people. There has been preaching here for seven 
years past, yet the society declines. 

N. 0.] The Barn a Closet for Prayer. 

Monday, March 3. Cold as it was, we rode from 
Guilford to Caswell county, a distance of twenty miles, 
and met with a considerable congregation, among 
whom were a few warm-hearted people. I hope the 
Lord will work here. Here was a cabin with one room, 
a barn, and stables. I have little time to write or 
place to read. The barn is my closet for prayer. 

No Fodder, Ho Supper, No Prayer. 

Saturday, 22. I preached to a poor, unfeeling peo- 
ple at a place the circuit preachers had left. We 
were fortunate enough to eat about eleven o'clock, and 
got nothing more until about that hour next day. 
We pushed on to get to M.'s. Arrived there at eight 
o'clock at night ; there was no fodder, no supper, no 
prayer. Next morning we started at sunrise, and 
with difficulty getting over the river, came to Win- 
stead's about ten o'clock. Here we breakfasted. 



1783.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 169 

Peace Confirmed between England and America. 

Saturday, April 5. I heard the news that peace was 
confirmed between England and America. I had 
various exercises of mind on the occasion. It may 
cause great changes to take place among us ; some 
for the better, and some for the worse. It may make 
against the work of God. Our preachers will be far 
more likely to settle in the world, and our people, by 
getting into trade and acquiring wealth, may drink 
into its spirit. Believing the report to be true, I 
took some notice of it while I treated on Acts x, 36 at 
Brother Clayton's, near Halifax, where they were fir- 
ing their cannons and rejoicing in their way on the 
occasion. This day I prevailed with Brother Dickins 
to go to New York, where I expect him to be far 
more useful than in his present station. 

VaJ Love-feast Testimony in Pavor of African Liberty. 

After long rides through Fluvanna and Orange cir- 
cuits I came to Petersburg on Monday the $tk of 
May, and the next day to Ellis's chapel. 

Wednesday ', 7. Our conference began at this place. 
Some young laborers were taken in to assist in spread- 
ing the Gospel, which greatly prospers in the north. 
We all agreed in the spirit of African liberty, and 
strong testimonies were borne in its favor in our love- 
feast. Our affairs were conducted in love. From 
Petersburg I proceeded northward. 

MdJ Cruelty to a Hegro— Asbxuy's Protest. 

Sunday, June 8. I have been well exercised, al- 
though I am not so weary as I expected. I have 



170 Character arid Career of [1783. 

preached three times, and the weather is very warm. 
I believe the more we do, the more we shall be ena- 
bled to do for God and for our souls. 

I visited Sister R y, sick of the putrid fever. 

I prayed with her, and trusted God with my safety 
from infection. I went to I. Worthington's, but I 
beheld such cruelty to a negro that I could not feel 
free to stay. I called for my horse, delivered my own 
soul, and departed. 

VaJ Hunger and Hard Work not the Worst of It. 

Saturday, 21. Preached to a few people at Win- 
chester. For several days past I have had to ride 
the whole day, and to preach without eating until five 
or six o'clock in the evening, except a little biscuit. 
This is hard work for man and horse. This, however, 
is not the worst — religion is greatly wanting in these 
parts. The inhabitants are much divided. Made up, 
as they are, of different nations, and speaking differ- 
ent languages, they agree in scarcely any thing, ex- 
cept it be to sin against God. 

Pa.] Quarterly Meeting— Asbury's Aspiration for Holiness. 

Saturday and Simday, 26, 27. Our quarterly meet- 
ing was held at Worley's, near Little York. Many 
spoke in our love-feast with great simplicity, and my 
spirit was refreshed among them. 

Thursday , 31. Preached at Martin Boehm's to many 
people. 

Saturday, Azigust 2. Indisposed and dejected. 
This is a barren land of religion, yet fruitful for every 
thing else. 

Monday, 4. Rose early to pour out my soul to God. 



I 7^3-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 171 

I want to live to him and for him ; to be holy in 
heart, in life, and in conversation. This is my mark, 
my prize, my all — to be, in my measure, like God. 

K. T.] In New York. 

Monday \ 25. Set out for New York. Arrived there, 
I found Brother Dickins preaching. 

Wednesday, 27. I was close and searching ; a few 
felt it. A little of the good old spirit yet prevails 
among these people. We had preaching generally 
morning and evening, and I trust the seed sown will 
not all be lost. 

N. J.] Hard Lodging for a Sick Man. 

Thursday, September \\. At Mount Holly I had 
more people than I expected. On Friday I rode a 
long, barren way to the Forks of Egg Harbor. 

Saturday, 14. i injured myself by speaking too 
long and too loud. I rode seven miles, got" wet, had 
poor lodgings, with plenty of mosquitoes. Next da}f, 
poorly as I was, I had to ride seventeen miles, and 
spoke while I had a high fever on me. I laid me 
down on a plank. Hard lodging this for a sick man. 

A Wild Chase. 

Sunday, 21. I had a wild chase — first, to New En- 
gland town, but their minister had warned the people 
against hearing us, thence to Cohansey. Here Mr. 
Vantull had appointed to preach at the same hour, 
although my appointment had been given out some 
time before. Arriving, however, before him, I preached 
in the court-house — and cleared -out ; those who re- 
mained met with hard blows. 



172 Character and Career of £1783. 

Quakers Help Build the Salem Church, 

Monday, 22. In the evening aj: Salem ; a number 
of Friends attended, and were serious. Here a few 
of our scattered people have attempted to build a 
house of worship, but found themselves too weak to 
accomplish it. They applied to some of the people, 
called Quakers, for assistance, who subscribed liber- 
ally. The matter was talked over, as I am informed, 
at their quarterly meeting. When it was objected 
" that we spoke for hire," it was answered, " No, it 
was only for a passing support." So there was con- 
sent given that Friends who were free to do it 
might give. 

Del.] Prom North to South. 

Wednesday, October 1. Passed through Philadelphia, 
and came on Saturday, the twenty-seventh, to Dover, 
where I preached at nine o'clock on the Sabbath day, 
and at Barratt's chapel at three o'clock. 

Thursday, 2. I preached at Queen Anne's, where 
a considerable number attended, and where many 
profess religion. 

Friday, 3. Preached at A/s, in Kent county, to a 
large company, and was much assisted. 

MdJ Eight Years Ago. 

Thursday, 23. I enjoy much peace with God, al- 
though I am left to serve alone. But God is with 
me. O healthful sickness, blessed pain, if the Lord 
supports ! I am now beside the Chesapeake Bay. 
Here Calvert and Dorset lie opposite to each other. 
Eight years ago, when going down the bay, little 



1 7^3-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 173 

thought I of the great things God was about to do 
for both shores. 

Del.] In Dover Again, 

Sunday, November 2. I spoke at Mr. Bassett's, in 
Dover, to many people ; thence rode to the Cross- 
roads. Here a design had been formed to prevent my 
preaching, and Mr. Bishop came, as I was told, to ad- 
vise me to forbid resistance. Had he and another hon- 
estly discouraged those who had got together to inter- 
rupt preaching on a former occasion, resistance and 
forbearance would have been equally unnecessary. 
I rode on through the rain and darkness to Mr. 
Thompson's. 

Md.] On the Banks of the Potomac, 

Tuesday, 25. I visited some families, and my soul 
was grieved at the blackslidings of some of my old 
friends. O may the Lord reach their hearts ! 

Made a short stay in Baltimore, and preached at 
Elk Ridge on my way to Virginia. When we reached 

the Potomac, Brother P s was unwilling to cross ; 

so we stayed at the public house without fire, candle, 

or supper, and the host drunk. Next morning we 

crossed the river, and were kindly received at Brother 

Bushby's. 

Va.] At Alexandria Court-House. 

Friday, 28. Preached to a large congregation in the 
court-house at Alexandria. On my way to Fred- 
ericksburg I fell in with some gentlemen and con- 
versed with them on the subject of religion. They 
sought refuge in God's foreknowledge, and thence 
drew their proofs that their Creator would not eter- 
nally damn them. 



174 Character and Career of [ l 7&3- 

K 0.1 Letter from Mr. Wesley— Preaches at Edenton, 

Wednesday, 24. Set out in the rain to Hartford 
town. I spoke in a tavern. The people seemed wild 
and wicked altogether. I journeyed on through the 
damp weather, and reached Pettigrew's about six 
o'clock. Here I received a letter from Mr. Wesley, in 
which he directs me to act as general assistant, and 
to receive no preachers from Europe that are not 
recommended by him, nor any in America who 
will not submit to me and to the minutes of the 
conference. 

I preached in Edenton to a gay, inattentive peo- 
ple. I was very much pleased with Mr. Pettigrew. I 
heard him preach, and received the Lord's Sup- 
per at his hands. Thence I crossed the Chowan 
River and preached, journeying through Bertie, Hert- 
ford, and Northampton counties, to considerable 
congregations. 

A Bide of Porty Miles— A Congregation of Fifteen, 
Tuesday r , February 24, 1784. Rode forty miles. 
Next day preached to fifteen people. 

Thursday, 26. Rode to Hillsborough. The snow 
was deep, the street dirty, my horse sick, the people 
drinking and swearing. I endeavored to preach on 
" A man's gaining the whole world," etc. 

Wonderfully Entertained. 
Thursday, March 4. Preached at Browder's, and 
then hasted to the Widow Kembrough's. Here I 
was wonderfully entertained with a late publication 
by Silas Mercer, a Baptist preacher, in which he has 
anathematized the whole race of kings from Saul to 



1784.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 175 

George III. His is republicanism run mad. Why 
afraid of religious establishments in these days of en- 
lightened liberty ? Silas has beaten the Pope, who 
only on certain occasions, and for certain reasons, 
absolves subjects from allegiance to their sovereigns ; 
and if the nations of Europe believed the sweeping 
doctrines of Silas, they would be right to decapitate 
every crowned head, and destroy every existing form 
of Church government. If plunging-baptism is the 
only true ordinance, and there can be no true Church 
without it, it is not quite clear that ever Christ had a 
Church until the Baptists plunged for it. 

Va.] Asbury Sweeps through the Counties. 

Sunday, 4. Preached at Finney's old place, where 
I suppose there might be some that had hardly heard 
preaching since I was here last year. Thence I rode 
through Powhatan, Cumberland, and Buckingham 
counties, where there is poor encouragement for 
religion. O my Lord, arise, for thine own glory, 
visit the people in mercy, and make known thy 
power in the salvation of poor sinners ! 

Northward Again. 

Thursday, 29. Rode to Ellis's chapel, in Sussex 
county, where we held our conference the two ensu- 
ing days. Brother O'Kelly gave us a good sermon : 
" I keep under my body, and bring it into subjec- 
tion," etc. Mr. Jarratt gave us a good discourse on 
1 Tim. i, 4. Our business was conducted with un- 
common love and unity. 

From this conference I proceeded on and crossed 
James River on my way to the north, and was led to 
cry to God to go with us and meet us there. 



176 Character and Career of \M%\* 

Md.] Glendenning Foiled. 

Thursday, May 30. Reached Baltimore about seven 
o'clock. I have ridden about fifty. miles to-day. In 
crossing the Potomac, when about midway, we turned 
back to meet the stage, and I found Dr. Lusby. I 
learned by letter that my father and mother are yet 
alive. 

Tuesday, 25. Our conference began, all in peace. 
William Glendenning had been devising a plan to 
lay me aside, or at least to abridge my powers. Mr. 
Wesley's letter settled the point, and all was happy. 
The conference rose on Friday morning. 

Va.] Ascending the Alleghany, 

Thursday, July 1. We began to ascend the Alle- 
ghany, directing our course toward Redstone. We 
passed the Little Meadows, keeping the route of 
Braddock's road for about twenty-two miles, along a 
rough pathway. Arriving at a small house, and halt- 
ing for the night, we had literally to lie as thick as 
three in a bed. My soul has peace. For three days I 
had fever ; the excessive labor I have undergone may 
have nourished it. When I arose yesterday morning 
I was very unwell. After riding about seven miles 
I was taken with a trembling and profuse perspira- 
tion. I ate something and felt better, and my fever 
is now abated. My soul has been blessed in an un- 
common degree ; and thou, my soul, bless the Lord ; 
and O that he may be pleased to make me a blessing 
to the people in this part of the world ! 

A Mixed Congregation. 
Sunday, 4. At Cheat River we had a mixed con- 
gregation of sinners, Presbyterians, Baptists, and it 



1784.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 177 

may be of saints. I had liberty, and gave it to them 
as the Lord gave it to me — plain enough. After me 
Brother Bougham spoke with life and power. I think 
God will bring a people to himself in this place. 

Pa.] One Hundred and Sixty Miles of Kough Koads, 

Wednesday, 7. We had nearly seven hundred people 

at Beeson Town. They were, in general, serious 

and attentive. 

Thursday, 8. I preached at D.'s, to a wild people, 

on Acts xiii, 26. Since last Friday we have ridden 

one hundred and sixty or more miles, on rough roads, 

through a rough country, and with rough fare. I trust 

our labor will not all be lost. 

Md.] At Predericktown and Winchester. 

Sunday, 18. I preached in the new market-house 
at Fredericktown. Many attended both from town 
and country. 

Wednesday, 21. We had many to hear at Win- 
chester. They appeared to be orderly and solemn, 
and I hope it will appear that some were convicted. 

Pa.] Philadelphia Circuit, 

Saturday, 31. Our quarterly meeting in Philadel- 
phia circuit began the 2\st of July. I addressed the 
congregation on the Epistle to the Church of Sardis. 
We had a gracious time on Sunday, the \st of August. 
At four o'clock I preached again, in the Valley 
church, on Isaiah lxvi, 1 : " Heaven is my throne, 
and the earth my footstool. ,, 

Monday, August 2. After preaching at Brother H.'s 
on Luke xi, 13, I went to the city and preached to 
many people on 1 Peter iii, 15. 

12 



178 Character and Career of [17^4- 

U, J,] At Burlington and Trenton. 

Monday, 16. Went to Burlington. 

Tuesday, 1 7. Went to Trenton. Although unwell, 
and greatly oppressed by heat, I preached at both 
these places. 

Tuesday, 24. I rode to Mr. Ogden's. Next day I 
spoke, but with little freedom, to an attentive yet un- 
feeling audience in Sussex court-house. My host, 
who appears to be a man of liberal sentiments, enter- 
tained me kindly. 

I preached at New Market Plains to about one 
hundred hearers. I spoke freely in vindication of 
Methodism. It was strange, for I knew not until 
afterward that there were present those who come at 
no other time. 
U. T.] Growing Into Good Methodists, 

Friday, 27. We had a trying journey to New York, 
the weather being excessively warm. I found my old 
friends, C. and W. L., at Newark, who appeared 
pleased to see me. We took the stage and reached 
York about eight o'clock. At ^ York we found the 
people alive to God. There are about one hundred in 
society, and, with those in Philadelphia, to my mind, 
appear more like Methodists than I have ever yet 
seen them. My first discourse was for the benefit 
of poor stragglers who have not yet returned to the 
fold. The subject chosen was Rev. iii, 1-4. 

Sunday, 29. In the evening I preached for the 
benefit of poor sinners on Job xxi, 15. 

Monday, 30. My soul is alive to God. I visited, 
prayed, read, wrote, met the classes, and in the even- 
ing preached. I have found great consolation and 
fellowship in the classes. 



1784.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 179 

IT, J.] John Budd— Fellowship and Prayer. 

Sunday, September 12. Preached at Penny Hill, and 
afterward at New Mills. I have been kept in peace, 
but find my adversary is not dead ; neither am I out 
of the body, or what I may be, or must be, before I 
see the kingdom of God. O my soul, keep near to 
God, and always watch and pray ! 

Monday, 13. I was weak and feverish ; sorely 
tempted, and much comforted. I walked over to 
John Budd's, a son of affliction. We spoke of the 
dealings of God with our own souls — not in vain ; 
we prayed, and parted in love. Two things seem to 
dim my prospects of heaven, in point of qualifica- 
tion — first, I do not speak enough for God ; and, 
secondly, I am not totally devoted to him. Lord, 
help me to come up to my duty ! 

Del.] Asbury Exhorting the Boys at School. 

Saturday, October 2. I preached in our new chapel 
at Dover, in the State of Delaware, on faith, hope, 
charity. At Barratt's I believe I was alarming, on 
Isaiah iii, 10, II. I was moved in the evening toward 
the boys in school at C. I spoke till they wept 
aloud. O my God, their parents fear thee ; bring 
them home, with them, to thyself! 

McL] Pirst Visit ,to Kent Island, 

Thursday, 14. I rode twenty miles to visit Kent 
Island for the first time. Here we had an unusual 
collection of people, and surely all was not in vain. 
We had a good time at Newcomb's. The word of 
God has greatly triumphed over the prejudices of 
rich and poor. We went on to Cambridge. Here 



180 Character and Career of [ l 7%4» 

George, a poor negro in our society, we found 
under sentence of death for theft committed before 
he became a Methodist. He appeared to be much 
given up to God. He was reprieved under the 
gallows. A merchant, who cursed the negro for 
praying, died in horror. I pity the poor slaves. O 
that God would look down in mercy, and take their 
cause in hand ! 
VaJ Three Days' Work, 

Tuesday \ November 2. After preaching at Garrett- 
son chapel I rode to Col. Burton's, and was kindly 
received. 

Friday, 5. I came back to Col. Burton's. Since I 
went from this house I have ridden about one hun- 
dred miles, spent five hours in delivering five public 
discourses, and ten hours in family and public prayer, 
and read two hundred pages in Young's Works. I 
have enjoyed great peace, and hope to see a great 
and glorious work. 

Md.] Asbury Meets Coke and Whatcoat. 

Sunday, 14. I came to Barratt's chapel. Here, to 
my great joy, I met these dear men of God, Dr. Coke 
and Richard Whatcoat, and we were greatly com- 
forted together. The doctor preached on " Christ 
our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and re- 
demption." Having had no opportunity of convers- 
ing with them before public worship, I was greatly 
surprised to see Brother Whatcoat assist by taking 
the cup in the administration of the sacrament. I 
was shocked when first informed of the intention of 
these my brethren in coming to this country. It may 
be of God. My answer then was, if the preachers 
unanimously choose me I shall not act in the capac- 



1784.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 181 

ity I have hitherto done by Mr. Wesley's appoint- 
ment. The design of organizing the Methodists into 
an Independent Episcopal Church was opened to the 
preachers present, and it was agreed to call a general 
conference, to meet at Baltimore the ensuing Christ- 
mas, as also that Brother Garrettson go off to Virginia 
to give notice thereof to our brethren in the south. 

Del.] Dr. Coke Eeviews Asbury's Pield of Labor. 

Monday, 15. I was very desirous the Doctor should 
go upon the track I had just been over, which he ac- 
cordingly did. I came to Dover, and preached on 
Eph. v, 6 ; was close and, I hope, profitable. 

Md.] Asbury Meets with Thomas Vasey. 

Titesday, 16. Rode to Bohemia, where I met with 
Thomas Vasey, who came over with the Doctor and 
R. Whatcoat. My soul is deeply engaged with God 
to know his will in this business. 

His Approaching Elevation. 

Friday, 26. I observed this day as a day of fasting 
and prayer, that I might know the will of God in the 
matter that is shortly to come before our conference. 
The preachers and people seem to be much pleased 
with the projected plan. I myself am led to think it 
is of the Lord. I am not tickled with the honor to 
be gained — I see danger in the way. My soul waits 
upon God. O that he may lead us in the way we should 
go ! Part of my time is, and must necessarily be, 
taken up with preparing for the conference. 



1 82 Character and Career of [*784. 

Methodist Episcopal Ohnrch Organized— Asbury's Election 
and Ordination. 

Saturday, December!?). Spent the day at Perry Hall, 
partly in preparing for conference. My intervals of time 
I passed in reading the third volume of the British 
Arminian Magazine. Continued at Perry Hall until 
Friday -, the twenty-fourth. We then rode to Balti- 
more, where we met a few preachers. It was agreed 
to form ourselves into an Episcopal Church, and to 
have superintendents, elders, and deacons. When 
the conference was seated Dr. Coke and myself were 
unanimously elected to the superintendency of the 
Church, and my ordination followed, after being 
previously ordained deacon and elder, as by the fol- 
lowing certificate may be seen : 

Know all men by these presents, that I, Thomas 
Coke, Doctor of Civil Law, late of Jesus College, in 
the University of Oxford, Presbyter of the Church of 
England, and Superintendent of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church in America, under the protection of 
Almighty God, and with a single eye to his glory, by 
the imposition of my hands and prayer, (being as- 
sisted by two ordained elders,) did on the twenty-fifth 
day of this month, December, set apart Francis As- 
bury for the office of a deacon in the aforesaid Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. And also on the twenty -sixth 
day of the said month did, by the imposition of my 
hands and prayer, (being assisted by the said elders,) 
set apart the said Francis Asbury for the office of 
elder of the said Methodist Episcopal Church. And 
on this twenty-seventh day of the said month, being 
the day of the date hereof, have, by the imposition of 



1784.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 183 

my hands and prayer, (being assisted by the said 
elders,) set apart the said Francis Asbury for the 
office of a superintendent in the said Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, a man whom I judge to be well qualified 
for that great work. And I do hereby recommend 
him to all whom it may concern as a fit person to 
preside over the flock of Christ. In testimony where- 
of I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty- 
seventh day of December, in the year of our Lord 
1784. Thomas Coke. 

Twelve elders were elected, and solemnly set apart 
to serve our societies in the United States, one for 
Antigua, and two for Nova Scotia, We spent the 
whole week in conference, debating freely, and deter- 
mining all things by a majority of votes. The Doc- 
tor preached every day at noon, and some one of the 
other preachers morning and evening. We were in 
great haste, and did much business in a little time. 

Asbiiry's Erst Sermon after Ordination. 
Monday, January 3, 1785. The conference is risen, 
and I have now a little time for rest. In the evening 
I preached on Eph. iii, 8, being the first sermon 
after my ordination. My mind was unsettled, and I 
was but low in my own testimony. 

VaJ Off to Virginia. 

Tuesday, 4. I was engaged preparing for my jour- 
ney southward. Rode fifty miles through frost and 
snow to Fairfax, Virginia, and got in about seven 
o'clock. 

Thursday, 6. We had an exceeding cold ride to 
Prince William — little less than forty miles, and were 



1 84 Character and Career of [1785. 

nearly two hours after night in getting to Brother 
Hales. 

Friday, 7. A calm day. I had Brother Hickson 
for my companion. We passed Fauquier court-house, 
and came to the north branch of the Rappahannock, 
which we found about waist high, and frozen from 
side to side. We pushed the ice out of the track 
which a wagon, well for us, had made, and got over 
safe. Pursuing our journey, we came to a little ordi- 
nary kept by one Whitehead. Here were some wag- 
oners at cards in the front room, but this did not pre- 
vent our having prayers in the one adjoining. We 
slept in peace, and had only nine shillings and six- 
pence to pay in the morning. 

isbury Afraid of Self-estimation. 

Saturday, 8. Rode to Brother Fry's to dinner, 
where I met with Brother Willis, who had stopped 
there on his way to the conference. 

Sunday, 9. We read prayers, preached, ordained 
Brother Willis deacon, and baptized some children. I 
feel nothing but love. I am sometimes afraid of be- 
ing led to think something more of myself in my new 
station than formerly. 

N. 0.1 Administering the Ordinances. 

Friday, 28. My horse being unfit to travel, I bor- 
rowed another, and went on seventeen miles to Fish- 
er's River, where I met with a few poor people. 
Thence we rode through the barren mountains, and 
crossed the frequent rivers in our course and came 
to W.'s. Next day I preached at Heady' s, and rode 
on to Hindorn's in Wilkes county. Here we were 



1 7%5'] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. . 185 

kindly entertained, although there were few people 
to preach to. Nothing could have better pleased our 
old Church folks than the late step we have taken in 
administering the ordinances ; to the catholic Presby- 
terians it also gives satisfaction, but the Baptists are 
discontented. 

S. 0.1 "Here and There a Horse Thie£" 

Thursday, Febrttary 3. Rode twenty miles to 
Witherspoon's. Here was a large assemblage of 
people ; some to pay and receive taxes, some to 
drink, and some to hear me preach. I gave them a 
rough talk on Rev. ii, 5-8. From this place we rode 
to Allen's. The people here are famous for talking 
about religion ; and here and there is a horse thief. 



x & x 



Asbury Baptizes by Immersion. 

Monday, 7. I preached at Elsberry's, and rode 
thirty-one miles to Morgan Bryan's. The weather 
has been cold and uncomfortable. I have ridden on 
the horse I borrowed nearly three hundred miles in 
about nine days. 

Tuesday, 8. I observed this as a day of absti- 
nence. I preached and administered the sacrament 
and held a love-feast. Our friends were greatly com- 
forted. Here I plunged four adults, at their own re- 
quest, they being persuaded that this was the most 
proper mode of baptizing. 

A Week in Charleston, 

Monday, 28. The Calvinists, who are the only peo- 
ple in Charleston who appear to have any sense of 
religion, seem to be alarmed. Yesterday morning, 



1 86 Character and Career of t 1 /^. 

and again at noon, the congregations were small ; at 
night we were crowded. There is a great dearth of 
religion here ; some say never more so than at this 
time. 

The people were a little moved while Brother Lee 
preached to them on Sabbath evening. My first ser- 
mon was on Wednesday, the second of March, on 
2 Cor. v, 20. I had but little enlargement. I preached 
again the next day on Eccles. xi, 9. The people were 
solemn and attentive. I find there are here those who 
oppose us. I leave the Lord to look to his own cause. 
I told my hearers that I expected to stay in the city 
but seven days ; that I should preach every night, if 
they would favor me with their company, and that I 
should speak on subjects of primary importance to 
their souls, and explain the essential doctrines taught 
and held by the Methodists. 

An Oasis in the Desert. 

Sunday, March 13. Hearing of Brother Daniel at 
Town Creek, I resolved to make a push for his house. 
It was forty miles distant, and I did not start until nine 
o'clock. I dined at Lockwood's Folly, and got in 
about seven o'clock. O how happy was I to be re- 
ceived, and my dear friends to receive me ! I have 
been out for six weeks, and ridden near five hundred 
miles among strangers to me, to God, and to the 
power of religion. How could I live in the world if 
there were no Christians in it ! 

N. 0.1 Merry, Drinking Eaftsmen. 

Saturday, 19. After preaching at Town Creek I 
rode in the evening to Wilmington. Night came on 
before we reached there, and from the badness of the 



1785.] Bishop Asbitry Illustrated. 187 

causeway I ran some risk. We went to s, but he 

was not prepared to receive us ; afterward to 's, 

where we had merry, singing, drunken raftsmen. To 
their merriment I soon put a stop. I felt the power 
of the devil here. 

"His Sermon was His Own"— Proof. 

Sunday, 20. The bell went round to give notice, 
and I preached to a large congregation. When I had 
done, behold, F. Hill came into the room powdered 
off, with a number of fine ladies and gentlemen. As 
I could not get my horse and bags, I heard him out. 
I verily believe his sermon was his own, it was so 
much like his conversation. I came away well satis- 
fied that I had delivered my own soul. 

VaJ Agitation— Dr. Coke— O'Kelly— Slavery. 

Sattirday, 30. I am much better in health. My 
sickness was made a blessing to me. Rode to W. 
Masons, where we are to meet in conference. I 
found the minds of the people greatly agitated with 
our rules against slavery, and a proposed petition to 
the general assembly for the emancipation of the 

blacks. Colonel and Doctor Coke disputed on 

the subject, and the Colonel used some threats. 
Next day Brother O'Kelly let fly at them, and they 
were made angry enough ; we, however, came off 
with whole bones, and our business in conference 
was finished in peace. 

Asbury Lodges in the Poor-House. 

Tlmrsday, 12. Rode to York, lately the seat of war. 
Here Lord Cornwallis surrendered to the combined 



1 88 Character and Career of [ r 78S. 

armies of America and France. The inhabitants are 
dissolute and careless. I preached to a few serious 
women at one o'clock, and, at the desire of the ladies, 
again at four o'clock. I came to Mrs. Rowe's : the 
son was once on our side ; he has left us, and now 
we have the mother. I lodged in the poor-house. 

McU Coke and Asbnry "Wait on General Washington. 

Sunday, 22. Notwithstanding it rained, many at- 
tended of both rich and poor ; but in the afternoon the 
wind or the rain kept the gentry away. Many of the 
common people heard gladly. From Annapolis we 
rode to Alexandria, to meet Dr. Coke. He did not 
come, however, until the next day. 

Thursday, 26. We waited on General Washington, 
who received us very politely, and gave us his opinion 
against slavery. 

Dr. Coke Takes Leave of America. 

Wednesday, June 1. Our conference began. I was 
unwell during the session, a blister running, applied 
for a pain in my breast. On Thursday the Doctor took 
his leave, of America for this visit. We parted with 
heavy hearts. On Friday we rested from our labors 
and had a love-feast. 

Asbury Preaches the Foundation Sermon of Ookesbnry College, 

Sunday, 5. I rode to Abingdon, to preach the 
foundation sermon of Cokesbury College. I stood 
on the ground where the building is to be erected, 
warm as it was, and spoke from Psalm lxxviii, 4-8. I 
had liberty in speaking, and faith to believe the work 
would go on. 



I 7^5-] Bishop Asbnry Illustrated. 189 

VaJ At Bath. 

Thursday, 28. Being in a good degree recovered, I 
felt thankful. My spirit is grieved at so much van- 
ity as is seen here at Bath, by the many poor careless 
sinners around me. The living is expensive, four 

dollars per week. Capt. is here, raised almost 

from the grave. I feel tenderly for him, and I hope 
God will convert his soul. 

Sunday, 31. Mr. Keith gave us a sermon; very 
legal and to little purpose. In the afternoon I gave 
them my last discourse on Rom. i, 16. 

Md.J A New Ohapel in Baltimore. 

Thursday, August 4. Reached Baltimore. Our 
friends here have bought a lot, and are building a 
new chapel thereon, seventy by forty-six feet : it is 
well fixed for entrances and light. 

Pa.] Asbnry in Philadelphia. 

Tuesday, 23. I set off, very weak, for Philadelphia, 
and reached there on Thursday the 25th. 

Sunday, 28. Preached a sacramental sermon on 
Rom. viii, 32. Our congregation was large in the 
evening, to whom I enlarged on Joshua xxiv, 19. 

S . YJ In New York. 

Wednesday, 31. Reached New York. Preached 
the three following days, although weak in body and 
languid in spirit. 

Sunday, September 4. Notwithstanding I was very 
unwell, I preached thrice, read prayers twice, and 
held a love-feast. My flesh went heavily along. Our 






190 Character and Career of [ l 7^S- 

society here has increased in number and grace ; our 
congregations also grow larger. I feel deeper desires 
to be given up to God. My friends here have been 
liberal indeed in supplying my temporal needs. May 
they be abundantly rewarded in spirituals ! 

Wednesday •, 7. After preaching this morning I left 
the city. Overstaying the hour, the stage left us, and 
we found ourselves under the necessity of walking 
six miles. I dined with Mr. Ogden, and preachedin 
Elizabethtown, in the unfinished church belonging 
to the Presbyterians. 

N, JJ At Salem— A Baptism. 

Saturday \ 24. Preached at Salem and at Stow Creek, 
with some consolation. Many attended, although it 
rained, and we had a comfortable time at sacrament. 
I plunged H. T. and S. M. in Salem Creek. This 
unusual baptismal ceremony might, perhaps, have 
made our congregation larger than it would other- 
wise have been. Lord, help me to keep on, under 
all my troubles of body and mind ! From Salem we 
proceeded on thirty miles through a great storm. 
We were glad to stop at Gloucester, where we had a 
room to ourselves, enjoying our Christian privileges, 
and were comfortable. Next morning we came on to 
Coopers ferry, and although the wind blew violently 
in the morning, when we came to the ferry all was 
calm. We breakfasted in Philadelphia early enough 
for church. 

Pa,] In Chester and Wilmington. 

Monday, 26. Set out for the south, and arrived at 
Chester. Next day preached at Mattson's. Arriving 
at Wilmington, I preached there on James i, 27. 



1785.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 191 

Del.] In Dover, 

Saturday r , October 1. Came to Dover. I had the 
court-house full of people, but I was not in possession 
of liberty of mind or strength of body to preach. 
The election is not yet over. , 

Monday, 3. We had a gracious season at the sacra- 
ment at Purdon's. That evening I rode to Brother 
White's, and was closely occupied with temporals. 

MdJ At Kent Old Chapel. 

Saturday, 8. We had an open time, and the souls 
of the people were stirred up at Angiers. The Lord 
was also with us at Worten chapel in the afternoon. 

Sunday f , 9. I preached at Kent Old Chapel on 
" Ye have said it is vain to serve God." In the after- 
noon and night at Chestertown. I always have an 
enlargement in preaching in this very wicked place. 
The people to-day were very serious and attentive. 

Asbury Exchanges his Jersey Wagon for a Sulky. 

Sunday \ November 6. Came away early. Arriving 
in Baltimore, preached at noon on Heb. xi, 2-8, and 
at night on Caleb's fully following the Lord. I found 
the means of conveyance by my carriage, or Jersey 
wagon, would not do. 

Tuesday, 8. I preached at Annapolis to a multi- 
tude of people, part of whom were serious. 

Wednesday, 9. I was under considerable exercise 
of mind about my carriage. I at length resolved to 
decline traveling in it, and buying a second-hand 
sulky, left it to be sold. I now traveled light and 
easy, and came to Child's church. 



192 Character and Career of [1785. 

VaJ Unwilling to be Idle. 

Sunday, 27. I went to Chickahominy church, 
where conditional notice had been given for Brother 
Reed. I preached on Acts v, 31, and spent the 
evening at Mr. Welden's. My foot continuing in 
such a state as to prevent my going to my appoint- 
ments, I was led to reflect on this dark providence. 
Unwilling to be idle, I wrote to the preachers to do 
what they could in collecting money to carry on the 
building of our college. For some time past I had 
not been quite satisfied with the ordei and arrange- 
ment of our form of discipline, and persuaded that 
it might be improved without difficulty, we accord- 
ingly set about it, and during my confinement in 
James City completed the work, arranging the sub- 
ject-matter thereof under their proper heads, divis- 
ions, and sections. 

Swampy Eoutes and Orazy Bridges. 
Thursday, December 15. A solitary day this ! plenty 
of water, if nothing else. We employed a black man 
to ride our horses, and we took to a canoe. Being 
remounted, and journeying on, we came to a stream 
that was impassable. We found ourselves under the 
necessity of going round by Martinsburg, and thus 
got into the road, and now pushed forward with spirit 
until we came to Swift's Creek. Here the causeway 
was overflown, and the logs most of them afloat. My 
horse fell, but I was preserved by his securing a fore- 
foot hold on the timber after falling. Thus we toiled 
over our swampy routes and crazy bridges till seven 
o'clock, and about that time arrived at Neuse Ferry, 
having ridden about forty tedious miles. 



1 7^5-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 193 

N, 0.] Asbury at Newbern and Beaufort, 

Came to Newbern. Found Brothers A. and B. in 
the Church. I preached at three o'clock on "The 
world by wisdom knew not God." The assembly 
was in session, and some of the members were 
friendly. 

Wednesday, 21. Sailed down to Beaufort, and 
preached in the church. The people are kind, but 
have very little religion. On the same evening I 
pushed down to the Straits, and the next day preached 
at the Straits chapel ; thence I returned to town, 
and preached again, after which we sailed back to 
Colonel Bell's, whence we first started. 

S. ft] Charleston Eighty-six Years Ago. 

Friday, January 13, 1786. I came to Charleston. 
Being unwell, Brother Willis supplied my place. 

Sunday, 15. We had a solemn time in the day, 
and a full house and good time in the evening. My 
heart was much taken up with God. Our congrega- 
tions are large, and our people are encouraged to 
undertake the building of a meeting-house this year. 
Charleston has suffered much, a fire about 1700, 
again in November, 1740, and lastly the damage 
sustained by the late war. The city is now in a flour- 
ishing condition. 

A High Breakfast. 
Tuesday, 24. We made an early start, and stopped 
at a tavern for breakfast. The landlord had seen and 
heard me preach three years before in Virginia, and 
would receive no pay. That evening we came to 
Mrs. B.'s. We rode fifty miles to the Congaree, and 

13 



194 Character and Career of [1786. 

lodged where there were a set of gamblers. I neither 
ate bread nor drank water with them. We left these 
blacklegs early next morning, and after riding nine 
miles came to a fire, where, stopping and broiling 
our bacon, we had. a high breakfast. At Weaver's 
ferry we crossed the Seleuda. Here once lived that 
strange, deranged mortal, who proclaimed himself to 
be God. Report says that he killed three men for 
refusing their assent to his godship. He gave out his 
wife to be the Virgin Mary, and his son Jesus Christ, 
and when hanged at Charleston promised to rise the 

third day. 

• 

U. 0.1 Asbury when with the Poor, 

Wednesday, February 8. We rode forty computed, 
and perhaps, in truth, fifty miles to quarterly meet- 
ing at Gordon's, at the Mulberry Fields, on the Yadkin 
River. Here we met with Brothers Ivey, Bingham, 
and Williamson. Thursday, the sacrament was a 
time of refreshing. 

Saturday \ 11. I rode through rain and hail to 
B.'s, and preached to a few serious people on 
Psalm cxxviii, and we were blessed together. O 
what happiness do they lose who never visit the poor 
in their cottages ! 



-"to^ 



He Allows Nothing to Detain Him. 
Sunday, 19. Preached at Morgan Bryan's. Next 
day I set off in the rain, and traveled with it. We 
swam Grant's creek, and reached Salisbury in the 
evening, wet and weary. I thought we should 
scarcely have preachers at the time appointed, but 
the bad weather did not stop their coming. We 



1786.] Bishop Asbwy Illustrated. 195 

spent three days in conference, and went through 
our business with satisfaction. Having sent our 
horses into the country, we could not get them when 
they were wanted. I therefore borrowed Brother 
Tunnell's horse, and went on to my appointments. 

A Cool Eeoeption at Hillsborough, 

Friday \ March 10. I rode once more to Hillsboro', 
where I met with a cool reception. I am now satis- 
fied never to visit that place again until they have a 
society formed, constant preaching, and a desire to 
see me. O what a country this is ! We can but 
just get food for our horses. I am grieved, indeed, 
for the sufferings, the sins, and the follies of the 
people. 

Va.] A Eeinforcement, 

Friaay, April 7. I preached at Merritt's chapel with 
but little life. I rode to Mason's that night, much weak- 
ened through abstinence. A deep dejection seized 
my spirits, so that I could hardly bear up. On the 
Sabbath day I preached at Moss's to a large congre- 
gation. We went forward toward Lane's church, 
where our conference was held. Some spirits were 
tried before it ended. Here ten young men offered 
themselves on probation. 

Md.] Financiering. 

Sunday, 23. Hail, glorious Lord ! After deep ex- 
ercises of body and mind I feel a solemn sense of 
God on my heart. I preached by day in the court- 
house on 1 Pet. iii, 19, and in the evening at the 
Presbyterian church on Luke xix, 41, 42. Alexandria 



196 Character and Career of [1786. 

must grow, and if religion prospers among them it 
will be blessed. I drew a plan, and set on foot a 
subscription for a meeting-house. 

Wednesday, 26. Arrived in Baltimore, and was 
occupied until the following Saturday in collecting 
money for the books, and inspecting the accounts 
of the Book Concern. 

Sunday, 30. I preached three times, and made a 
collection to defray the expenses of sending mis- 
sionaries to the western settlements. I spoke 
twice on the same subject through the course of 
the week. 

Va.] Interview with Mr, Otterbein, 

Sunday, June 4. The Lutheran minister began a 
few minutes before I got into Winchester. I rode 
leisurely through the town, and preached under some 
spreading trees on a hill on Joshua xxiv, 19, to many 
white and black people. It was a solemn, weighty 
time ; all was seriousness and attention. I then 
went once more to Newtown. Here I preached on 
2 Tim. iii, 16, 17. I had but little freedom in speak- 
ing. I called on Mr. Otterbein. We had some free 
conversation on the necessity of forming a Church 
among the Dutch, holding conferences, the order of 
its government, etc. 

Pa,] Going to the Frontiers. 

Friday, 23. I was much blessed, and had many to 
hear at S. Litton's. We are now going to the front- 
iers, and may take a peep into the Indian land. This 
is a fruitful district, and I hope it will prosper in re- 
ligion. I have lately been sorely assaulted by Satan, 
and much blessed of the Lord. 



1786.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 197 

VaJ Specially Wicked at Court Time. 

Tuesday, 27. I had a large congregation, and Di- 
vine aid. We hasted away to a little town called 
Washington — wicked enough at all times, but espe- 
cially now at court time. We had uncomfortable 
lodgings. Riding hard all day, and loss of sleep at 
night, never fail laying me under affliction. 

Md.] Bad Koads— Little to Eat— Uncomfortable Lodgings. 

Tuesday ■, yuly 4. I came to Barratt's, where God 
spoke to the hearts of a few souls, who were not a 
little moved. Here I was almost ready to drop for 
want of sleep. 

I found an appointment had been made for me at 
Friend's Cove. I hesitated to go, but being unwilling 
to disappoint the people I set out, and must needs 
stray two miles out of my way to see a curious spring, 
which ebbs and flows, but not regularly. What with 
rocks and logs in our route, the way was so rough it 
was a mercy that ourselves and our horses escaped 
unhurt. I came to the Cove, and preached on Luke 
xi, 13. I have been greatly tempted to impatience 
and discontent. The roads are bad, my horse's hind 
feet without shoes, and but little to eat. To this I 
may add that the lodgings are unclean and uncom- 
fortable. I rode across the mountain to Spurgin's, 
where I met with a number of serious souls. I do 
not repent coming fifteen miles. I preached on 
" That we may have boldness in the day of judgment." 
I rode twenty-two miles to Foster's, along a blind 
path, and came in about nine o'clock, and was thank- 
ful. I have, in six days, ridden about one hundred 



198 Character and Career of [1786. 

and fifty miles, on as bad roads as any I have seen 
on the continent. 

Va.J Asbury at Bath for Health but Hard at Work. 

Sunday, August 6. I have spent twenty-three days 
at this place of wickedness, (Bath.) We are trying 
what can be done toward building a house for wor- 
ship. We collected something on the Sabbath for 
that purpose, and it appears the business is entered 
upon with spirit. My horse was running in the past- 
ure last week, and hurt himself, so that I find him 
utterly incapable of traveling, and that I am com- 
pelled to linger here another week. This, as it is, I 
am willing to do, for the sake of the people, the cause 
of God, and my health, and I am disposed to consider 
it a providential call, although I should not remain 
were my horse able to carry me away. I sent Brother 
B. to my appointments, and directed him when and 
where to appoint for me. My hopes revive here, and 
I trust my labor is not all in vain. 

McU Slow Progress with the College. 

Monday, 21. Reached Mr. Gough's, where I spent 
two days. The weather was very warm, but for one 
hundred miles and upward I have had it sufficiently 
agreeable. Came to Abingdon. Our college is still 
without a cover, and our managers, as I expected, 
almost out of breath. I made but little stay, but 
hasted on to Philadelphia, and arrived there on the 
twenty-sixth, Saturday. 

N. J.] Northward Again. 

Monday, 28. I came to Trenton, and thence pro- 
ceeded on to Brunswick. I was accidentally, or 



1786.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. ic)g 

rather providentially, favored with a ride in a carriage, 

else I know not how I should have proceeded on my 

journey. 

ET. T.] Asbury HI in Hew York— His Journals. 

Thursday, 31. I reached New York, having trav- 
eled three hundred and fifty miles since I left Bath, 
in Virginia. I was taken ill, and was confined about 
eight days, during which time I was variously tried 
and exercised in mind. I spent some time in looking 
over my journals, which I have kept for fifteen years 
back. Some things I corrected, and some I expunged. 
Perhaps, if they are not published before, they will 
be after my death, to let my friends and the world 
see how I have employed my time in America. I 
feel the worth of souls, and the weight of the pastoral 
charge, and that the conscientious discharge of its 
important duties requires something more than human 
learning, unwieldy salaries, or clerical titles of D.D., 
or even bishop. The eyes of all, both preachers and 
people, will be opened in time. 

N. J,] Among the Sands of Hew Jersey. 

Thursday, September 28. Since this day week we 
have ridden about one hundred and fifty miles over 
dead sands and among a dead people, and a long 
space between meals. 

At Cape May. 

Sunday, October 1, We stopped at the Cape. I 
find there is a great dearth of religion in these parts, 
and my spirit is clothed in sackcloth before the Lord. 

Tuesday, 3. At P. Cresey's we had a few cold hear- 
ers. The glory is strangely departed. 



200 Character and Career of [1786. 

Pa.] Asbniy Meets with Whatcoat in Philadelphia. 

Saturday, 14. Came to Sandstown. The weather 
very warm, and the people dull. I administered the 
sacrament, and rode away to Cooper's ferry, where 
we left our horses and crossed to the city, (Phila- 
delphia.) Here I found Brother Whatcoat, with 
whom I took sweet counsel. 

Sunday, 15. I had some energy in speaking and at 
sacrament. In the afternoon it was a feeling time 
on " The Lord will give grace and glory." 

N, J.] A Flying Visit to New Jersey. 

Monday, 16. Rode to Holly, where I preached on 
" Come, ye blessed of my Father," etc. ; and then at 
New Mills on " Suffering affliction with the people 
of God." 

At Burlington I'enlarged on "Neither is there sal- 
vation in any other," etc. These are not a zealous 
people for religion. 

Pa.] Back to Philadelphia. 

Wednesday, 18. We returned to the city of Phila- 
delphia. Next day I preached, and was close and 
pointed. 

Friday, 20. I was led to treat on the sufferings of 
God's people as entirely distinct from those they en- 
dure in common with other men, and certainly un- 
avoidable by all who are really alive to God. I found 
it necessary to change some official men, and to take 
proper steps in preparing to defray our Church debt, 
which is now ^500. I gave them a sermon on " By 
this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye 
love one another." 



1786.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 201 

DeL] Asbury in Dover, 

Monday, 23. I rode forty-five miles to Dickenson's, 
in the Delaware State. Preached at Little Creek, 
and then rode five miles to Dover, and preached in 
the court-house. I bless God for peace of mind, and 
communion with him. 

Va>] At Garrettson Chapel. 

Sunday, November 19. I rode about twenty miles 
through the rain to Garrettson Chapel, where about 
fifty whites and as many blacks met me, to whom I 
preached with liberty. 

Del,] At Lewistown Conrt-House, 

Monday, 27. I rode thirty miles to Lewistown, very 
unwell. I preached at Shankland's, and the people 
were serious ; but I was compelled to cease from 
speaking by a violent pain in my head, accompanied 
by a fever. 

Tuesday, 28. I preached in the court-house at 
Lewistown, and I trust the word went with some 
weight. The congregation was large. 

Md.] Good News from Talbot Circuit, 

Tuesday, Dece7nber 5. I had a few people at Boling- 
brook, and spent the evening with Colonel Burck- 
head, who wants to know the Lord. He opened his 
mind to me with great freedom and tenderness. 
Brother White says that five hundred souls have 
joined society in this circuit (Talbot) this year, that 
half that number profess to have found the Lord, and 
more than one hundred to have obtained sanctifica- 
tion. Good news this, if true. 



202 Character and Career of [1786. 

The College and Book Concern. 

Thursday, 21. Reached the college, and on Friday 
went to Baltimore, where I was in great haste to 
settle the business of the Book Concern and of the 
college. 

Saturday, 23. We called a meeting of the trustees, 
formed our constitution, and elected new members. 
I preached twice on the Sabbath, and ordained Wool- 
man Hickson and Joseph Cromwell to the eldership. 

1 met the trustees and adjusted the accounts. We 
find we have expended upward of ,£2,000. We agreed 
to finish two rooms, and to send for Mr. Heath for 
our president. 

Va.] Asbury Off to Virginia. 

On Tuesday I left town, and came to Annapolis 
about seven o'clock. Finding my appointments were 
not made, I determined to direct my course toward 
Alexandria. The Lord has been powerfully at work 
at Annapolis since I was here last autumn ; twenty 
or thirty whites and some blacks have been added to 
the society. 

I reached Alexandria, and on Saturday preached 
in the court-house on "If we suffer, we shall also 
reign with him." 

Asbury Begins the Tear with Hard Work. 
Januaty 1, 1787. Preached at Brother Moss's on 

2 Chronicles xv, 12, 13, on the people's entering into 
covenant with God. 

Tuesday, 2. We rode near fifty miles on our way to 
Westmoreland. Next day, by hard riding, we came 
to Pope's, in Westmoreland; but I have not been 
more weary many times in my life. 



1787.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 203 

Saturday and Sunday. Attended the quarterly- 
meeting in the Northern Neck. There were many 
simple and loving testimonies delivered in the love- 
feast. 

A Famous Heroine for Christ. 

Wednesday, 17. I had a crowd of careless sinners 
at Mrs. Ball's, who is a famous heroine for Christ. 
A lady came by craft and took her from her own 
house, and with tears, threats, and entreaties, urged 
her to desist from receiving the preachers and Meth- 
odist preaching, but all in vain. She had felt the sting 
of death some years before, and was a most discon- 
solate soul. Having now found the way, she would 
not depart therefrom. 

Asbury's Trust in Providence Confirmed. 

Saturday, February 3. Visited my old friend Full- 
ford. He is feeble in body, and not much at ease in 
his worldly possessions, yet happy in God. 

Brother Poythress frightened me with the idea of 
the Great Swamp, the east end of the Dismal ; but I 
could not consent to ride sixty miles round, so we 
ventured through, and neither we nor our horses re- 
ceived any injury. Praise the Lord ! Our passing 
unharmed through such dangers and unhealthy 
weather feelingly assures me that I am kept by the 
immediate interposition of his providence. I preached 
in the new chapel, I hope not in vain. I am now 
surrounded with waters and hideous swamps, near 
the head of Pasquotank River. 

N. 0.1 Uewbern— Left the People as He Found Them. 

Thursday, 22. We set off for Newbern. Stopped 
at Kemp's Ferry, kept by Curtis, where we were 



204 Character and Career of [ l 7%7- 

kindly entertained gratis, I feel heaviness through 
labor and temptation, yet I am given up to God. 

Friday, 23. I arrived at Newbern. I felt the power 
of death as I journeyed along. We rode round the 
town, and could get no certain information about 
preaching, Brother Cole being absent. We were at 
last taken in at Mr. Lathrop's. The place and people 
were in such a state, that I judged, by my own feel- 
ings, it would be as well to leave them just as I found 
them, and so I did. 

S« OJ Methodism obtains a Toot-hold in Georgetown and 
Charleston. 

Sunday, March 11. Preached at Robinson's new 
court-house. Rode in the evening to M.'s. Crossed 
Little Pedee, stopped at S/s, ate a morsel, and came 
on to Buck Swamp. 

Thursday, 15. Preached at the new church at S/s. 
Here I heard that Doctor Coke was in Charleston. 
Proceeded thence to Widow Port's, where I had 
much ado to prevail on Brother H. to stay. 

We rode nearly fifty miles to get to Georgetown. 
Here the scene was greatly changed — almost the whole 
town came together to hear the word of the Lord. 

We arrived in Charleston and met Dr. Coke. 
Here we have already a spacious house prepared for 
us, and the congregations are crowded and solemn. 

N. 0.1 Ooke and Asbnry in Company. 

Saturday, April 14. We hasted to C y church, 

where we had many people. After riding twenty- 
two miles we had another meeting about six o'clock, 
and about midnight got to bed. 

Sunday, 15. Rose about six o'clock, and went to 



1787.] Bishop Asbuty Illustrated. 205 

Newman's church, where the Doctor and myself 
both preached. The people were rather wild, and 
we were unwell. I came to Arnat's at about eight 
o'clock, having ridden forty miles. The Doctor 
went by Dick's ferry, and did not get in until near 
midnight. 

Monday, 16. Rode to Jeremiah White's, and on 
Tuesday, about fifty miles to Page Mann's, in Char- 
lotte county, Virginia. 

Wednesday, 18. Rode to Rough Creek. On Thurs- 
day, igth, our conference began at William White's. 
We had much preaching morning, noon, and night, 
and some souls were converted to God. 

Saturday, 21. I gave them a discourse on Jeremiah 
iii, 15:" And I will give you pastors according to my 
heart." 

Sunday, 22. The Doctor spoke on the qualifications 
of a deacon, and T gave them a charge. Some said 
there were three thousand people to hear. It was 
a solemn, weighty time. 

Md,] Eapid Movements, 

Monday, May 6. After much fatigue and trouble 
our conference ended. We had some warm and 
close debates, but all ended in love and peace. 
We went forward to Perry Hall. Thence we went to 
Cokesbury. Drew a deed, or the conveyance of the 
property of the college, and settled our temporal mat- 
ters there. 

Wednesday, 9. Many attended at Elkton. We were 
received by the Rudolph family with great respect. 

Thursday, 10. We attended at Wilmington at 
noon, and at Chester at night. 

Friday, 11. We reached Philadelphia, where the 



206 Character and Career of [ l 7%7- 

Doctor preached that and the following evening. We 
spent the Sabbath in the city, and on Monday came 
to Trenton, where we found a lifeless people. 

IT, J.] Dr. Coke at Elizabethtown and New York. 

Tuesday, 15. The Doctor preached with life in the 
Episcopal church at Elizabethtown, and we had a 
good time. 

Wednesday, 16. Arrived in New York, and rested. 
On Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday the 
Doctor preached with great energy and acceptance. 

H. T.] Asbnry on Long Island, 

Tuesday, 22. After long silence, I preached on 
" For Zion's sake I will not hold my peace, and for 
Jerusalem's sake I will not rest." 

Rode twenty miles on Long Island to Hempstead 
Harbor, and preached with some liberty in the 
evening. I am now out of the city, and have time to 
reflect. My soul turns to its rest, and to its labor for 
souls, in which I can live more by rule. 

He Finds the Eight Kind of Hearers. 
Sunday, 27. I came to Harper's, where we have a 
little new house and about thirty members. I hope 
and expect, in a few years, to see a circuit of six 
weeks formed here, and four or five hundred mem- 
bers in society. The people on this island who hear 
the Gospel are generally poor, and these are the kind 
I want and expect to get. I have had great assist- 
ance and freedom in speaking. 

Ordains Ezekiel Cooper Deacon. 
Sunday, yune 3. I had a gracious time on 2 Cor. 
iv, 1-4. Ordained E. Cooper a deacon. In the after- 



1787.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 207 

noon my soul had peace while I enlarged on Matt, 
xviii, 15, to the end. 

In Great Union with the Church and the Lord. 

Sunday, 10. I had some life in preaching on Luke 
iv, 18, and in the afternoon on "I thank thee, O 
Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast 
hid these things from the wise and prudent," etc. 

I left the city in great union with the Lord and 
with the Church. My soul is variously exercised. I 
want the country air, and to live more in the spirit 
and solitude of prayer. Came to East Chester and 
preached in the shell of the new church on " To-day 
if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts." 
The power of God was felt. I came to the Widow 
Bartoe's, where I lay sick fifteen years ago, and was 
treated with the greatest tenderness. May the Lord 
reward them all a hundred fold, and convert their 
souls ! 

"Will it Always be So?" 
Tuesday 12. I found it the same at New Rochelle 
town as in time past. Will it always be so ? If 
there is no change I shall trouble them no more. In 
the afternoon I rode to C.'s, where I labored many 
years ago, and there is some fruit remaining to this 
day. 

West Point. 
Saturday y 16. Rode over the mountain, and was 
gratified with the sight of a remarkable recess for the 
Americans during the last war. The names of Andre 
and Arnold, with which misfortune and treachery are 
so unhappily and intimately blended, will give celeb- 
rity to West Point, had it been less deserving of 



208 Character and Career of [ l 7%7- 

notice than its wonderful appearance really makes it. 
It is commanded by mountains rising behind, and 
appears to be impregnable. There are block-houses 
on the east, and on the west stores, barracks, and 
fortifications. From West Point we crossed a high 
mountain and came to Newburg. 

N. J.] Asbury Stimulated by Large Congregations. 

Wednesday, 20. I came to Warwick, where I sup- 
pose not less than a thousand people were collected. 
I was very low both in body and spirit, but felt 
stirred up at the sight of such a congregation, and 
was moved and quickened while I enlarged on Gal. 
i, 4. I baptized some, and administered the sacra- 
ment to many communicants. 

Pa.] Pirebrands in Philadelphiai 

Wednesday, 27. We had a warm ride, through a 
fertile, pleasant country, to Trenton, and on Thurs- 
day, the 2%th, to Philadelphia. Here I found T. V. 
had scattered fire-brands, and thrown dirt to bespatter 
us. 

Friday and Saturday, 29, 30. Taken up in writing 
letters, packing up books, and begging for the college. 

Sunday, yuly 1. Preached three times in the city 
of Philadelphia — on Monday, to a few simple-hearted 
souls at Radnor. 
Va.] At the Springs. 

Monday, 16. Set out for the Springs. In the first 
place we missed our way, then my baggage-horse 
ran back two miles. I was tried not a little. O how 
sad the reflection that matters trifling as these should 
make a person so uneasy ! We reached the Springs 



1 7^7-1 Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 209 

about seven o'clock. I preached the two following 
days with some satisfaction. By advancing £9 for 
nails and planks, I engaged Brother Eaton to have 
our chapel covered by the first of August. 

McU A Good Time at Bell's and Barratt's, 

Tuesday, 24. There were to have been great doings 
at Cumberland, but Mr. B., a minister, failed coming. 
I had a good time in Mr. Bell's mill on " Thou art 
fairer than the sons of men." 

We had feeling and weeping at Barratt's ; my sub- 
ject, " I sleep, but my heart waketh," etc., eight or 
nine verses. I feel a sweetness of spirit and much 
of the love of Christ. Came to Cressap's. 

"At Jones's all Death! Death! Death!" 

Sunday, 29. At Jones's all death ! death ! death ! 
My mind was devoted to God. I administered the 
sacrament, but could find no openings. Rode to Old 
Town. Six years ago I preached in this place when 
there was scarcely a soul that knew any thing of 
God ; now there are sixty in membership, many of 
whom are happy in the knowledge of the truth. We 
held a love-feast, and had a quickening time. 

VaJ "Life a Weariness without God, Love, and Labor.' 1 

Friday, August 10. I feel a calm within and the 
want of more life, and more love to God, and more pa- 
tience with sinners. I read my Testament. O what 
a weariness without God, and love, and labor ! The 
first two weeks of my time at Bath have been spent 
in carrying on the building of the new chapel, 

reading Newton on the Prophecies, visiting, bathing, 

14 



210 Character and Career of [ l 7%7- 

etc. My soul has been under great trials at times ; 
hitherto the Lord has helped. 

Md.] A Week of Haste in Business. 

Sunday, September 9. Preached in the morning, 
my text, "Thou art fairer than the sons of men." 
In the afternoon at Mr. Otterbein's church, and at 
night on " They shall come from the east, and 
from the west, and from the north, and from the 
south," etc. Large crowds attended. I was strait- 
ened in speaking. The following was a week of 
haste and business. Wednesday, I went to Perry 
Hall, thence to Cokesbury ; fixed the price of board, 
and the time for opening the college. On Friday, I 
returned to Baltimore. In the midst of business my 
mind is calm. 

Pa.] Anbury in Philadelphia. 

Tuesday, 25. I attended at Chester, and next day 
came to Philadelphia. I had liberty in speaking on 
Cant, v, 6-10. On Thursday and Friday, I had not 
freedom as I wished. I was seized with a violent 
headache, exceeding any thing, as I thought, I had 
ever felt. 

Saturday, 29. I felt a little better. My mind was 
stayed upon God. 

Sunday, 30. We had a good sacramental occasion. 
In the afternoon Brother Willis preached, and at 
night I had some enlargement on Ephes. iv, 17-19. 

Wednesday, October 3. I met the people, and ex- 
plained the nature and design of the college. 

Thursday, 4. I preached on the primitive design 
of the Church. 



1787.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 211 

Del.] Jacob Brush and Ira Ellis Ordained Deacons. 

Saturday, 13. Came to Dover very unwell, and 
Brother I. E. preached in my stead. 

Sunday, 14. I read prayers, and preached on 2 Tim. 
iii, 10, and solemnly set apart Jacob Brush and Ira 
Ellis for the office of deacon. I trust it was a profit- 
able time. I spent two days at Thomas White's. 

Md.] Opening of Ookesbury College. 

Thursday, December 6. We opened our college, and 
admitted twenty-five students. I preached on " Trust 
in the Lord, and do good.'' On the Sabbath I spoke 
on " O man of God, there is death in the pot ; " and 
on Monday, " They are the seed of the blessed of the 
Lord, and their offspring with them." From Cokes- 
bury I came to Baltimore, where I was closely em- 
ployed, and much in haste about temporal concerns. 

Brother H. was Glad to Eesign. 

Saturday, 15. I had a cold ride to Annapolis, and 
but few to hear me on Sunday morning. Brother H. 
attempted to travel with me, but was soon glad to 
resign. My soul has been kept in peace, and for 
three weeks past I have enjoyed a most devoted 
frame of mind. 

11 When I Awake I am Still With Thee." 

Sunday, 23. I had a very little life in preaching to 
a few dead souls at Pope's. On Monday, at Hurt's, 
it was nearly the same both in preaching and sacra- 
ment. In the evening, at Brother Cannon's, the Lord 
powerfully broke into my soul, and the cloud disap- 



212 Character and Career of [1788. 

peared. That night, while sleeping, I dreamed I was 
praying for sanctification, and God very sensibly filled 
me with love, and I waked shouting Glory, glory to 
God ! My soul was all in a flame. I had never felt 
so much of God in my life, and so I continued. 
This was on Christmas day — a great day to me. 

U, 0,] Peter's Denial of His Master, 

Sunday y February 17, 1788. I had about five hun- 
dred hearers at Samson court-house, to whom I en- 
larged on Peter's denial of his Master. 1. He was 
self-confident. 2. Followed afar off. 3. Mixed with 
the wicked. 4. Denied his discipleship, and then his 
Lord. 

Tuesday y 19. At Fayetteville I was unable to preach. 
Wednesday we pushed on for the south State, but be- 
ing unacquainted with the way, we fell ten miles too 
low, and after riding as many in the night, we ended 
our blunders and our fatigue for that day at S.'s, who 
used us kindly. 

S. 0.1 Conference at Charleston— Kiotous Demonstrations. 

Friday y March 14. Our conference began, and we 
had a very free, open time. Saturday night I preached 
on " I have set watchmen upon thy walls," etc. On 
the Sabbathy on " The Lord turned and looked on 
Peter," etc. It was a gracious season, both in the 
congregation and in the love-feast. While another 
was speaking in the morning to a very crowded house, 
and many outside, a man made a riot at the door. An 
alarm at once took place, the ladies leaped out at 
the windows of the church, and a dreadful confusion 
ensued. Again, while I was speaking at night:, a 



1788.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 213 

stone was thrown against the north side of the 
church, then another on the south, and a third came 
through the pulpit window and struck near me in- 
side the pulpit. I however continued to speak on ; 
my subject, " How beautiful upon the mountains," 
etc. 

Upon the whole, I have had more liberty to speak 
in Charleston this visit than I ever had before, and 
am of opinion that God will work here. But our 
friends are afraid of the cross. 

G-aJ Conference in Georgia, 

Wednesday, April 9. Our conference began at the 
Forks of Broad River, where six members and four 
probationers attended. Brother Major was sick, and 
could not meet us. Soon after he made his exit to 
his eternal rest. 

Thursday and Friday, 10, 11. I felt free, and 
preached with light and liberty each day. Many 
that had no religion in Virginia have found it after 
their removal into Georgia and South Carolina. 
Here at least the seed sprung up, wherever else it 
may have been sown. Our little conference was 
about sixty-one pounds deficient in their quarterage, 
nearly one third of which was made up to them. 

S. 0.] Journeying in South Carolina. 

Sunday, 13. I called at a Presbyterian meeting- 
house, and heard Mr. Hall, the minister, preach a 
good sermon on Isa. lv. After meeting we rode to 
Brother Moore's, twenty miles on the Seleuda. 

Monday, 14. Was almost entirely occupied with 
writing letters to the north. 



214 Character and Career of [1788. 

Tuesday \ 15. I had many people at the Widow 
Bowman's. While here we had a most awful storm. 
I was afraid the house would come down. We rode 
in the night to M. Moore's. I was seized with ill- 
ness on the way, which continued during the night. 
Next day, however, I was able to pursue my journey. 

K 0,] An Awful Journey. 

Simday, 27. I preached at the Globe, on the main 
branches of John's River, where there are a few who 
fear God. There was some stir, and I hope some 
good done. 

Monday, 28. After getting our horses shod we 
made a move for Holstein, and entered upon the 
mountains, the first of which I called steel, the 
second stone, and the third iron mountain. They are 
rough and difficult to climb. We were spoken to on 
our way by most awful thunder and lightning, accom- 
panied by heavy rain. We crept for shelter into a 
little dirty house where the filth might have been 
taken from the floor with a spade. We felt the want 
of fire, but could get little wood to make it, and what 
we gathered was wet. At the head of Watauga we 
fed, and reached Ward's that night. Coming to the 
river next day, we hired a young man to swim over 
for the canoe, in which we crossed while our horses 
swam to the other shore. The waters being up, we 
were compelled to travel an old road over the mount- 
ains. Night came on, I was ready to faint with a 
violent headache, and the mountain was steep on 
both sides. I prayed to the Lord for help. Presently 
a profuse sweat broke out upon me, and my fever 
entirely subsided. About nine o'clock we came to 



1788.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 215 

Grear's. After taking a little rest here we set out 
next morning for Brother Coxe's on Holstein River. 
I had trouble enough. Our route lay through the 
woods, and my pack-horse would neither follow, lead, 
nor drive, so fond was he of stopping to feed on the 
green herbage. I tried the lead, and he pulled back. 
I tied his head up to prevent his grazing, and he ran 
back. The weather was excessively warm. I was 
much fatigued, and my temper not a little tried. I 
fed at I. Smith's, and prayed with the family. Arriv- 
ing at the river, I was at a loss what to do, but prov- 
identially a man came along who conducted me 
across. This has been an awful journey to me, and 
this a tiresome day, and now, after riding seventy- 
five miles, I have thirty-five miles more to General 
Russell's. I rest one day to revive man and beast. 

VaJ Asbury in Virginia. 

Saturday, May 3. We came to General Russell's ; 
a most kind family in deed and in truth. 

Sunday, 4. Preached on Phil, ii, 5-9. I found it 
good to get alone in prayer. 

Tuesday, 6. I had many to hear at Easley's on 
Holstein. I was much wearied with riding a strange 
horse, having left mine to rest. It is some grief that 
I cannot be so much in prayer on the road as I 
would be. We had a good time and a large congre- 
gation at K.'s. 

Tenn.] Conference in Tennessee. 

Monday, 12. Came to Half- Acres and Key woods, 
where we held conference three days, and I preached 
each day. The weather was cold, the room without 



216 Character and Career of [1788. 

fire, and otherwise uncomfortable. We nevertheless 
made out to keep our seats until we had finished the 
essential parts of our business. 

Thursday, 15. We came to General Russell's, 
and on Friday to I. Smith's, on the south fork of 
Holstein River. 

H". 0.] Forty-five Miles a Day. 

Friday, 23. Was a damp, rainy day, and I was 
unwell with a slow fever and pain in my head. How- 
ever I rode to Smith's chapel and preached, and 
thence to Brother Harrison's, on Dan River, and 
preached. In the space of one week we have ridden, 
through rough, mountainous tracts of country, about 
three hundred miles. Brothers Poythress, Tunnell, 
and myself have had serious views of things, and 
mature counsels together. 

Asbury Oan Bear Methodist JiToise. 

Monday, yune 2. Preached at Moore's in North- 
ampton ; once a poor, dead people, but now revived, 
and increased from eleven to sixty members. 

We had much of the power of God at Clark's. 
Sixty members, among whom are some children, are 
the subjects of this work. I feel life among these 
people. Preaching and praying is not labor here. 
Their noise I heed not ; I can bear it well when I 
know that God and Christ dwell in the hearts of the 
people. Thence I passed through Southampton, 
where I also beheld the power of God manifested 
in several lively meetings. 



1788.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 217 

VaJ Conference in Virginia. 

Rode to and rested with Philip Davis. On 
Saturday I had a feeling, living time on Psa. 
lxxxv, 9, 10. 

Sunday, 8. We had a gracious season : it was a mem- 
orable day, and my soul was much blessed. After 
meeting we hastened to Petersburg, where I preached 
on 2 Cor. v, 20. Our elders and deacons met for con- 
ference ; all things were brought on in love. The 
town folks were remarkably kind and attentive ; the 
people of God in much love. 

Crossing the Alleghany. 

Thursday \ y%tly 10. We had to cross the Alleghany 
Mountain again at a bad passage. Our course lay 
over mountains and through valleys and the mud 
and mire was such as might scarcely be expected in 
December. We came to an old, forsaken habitation 
in Tyger's Valley. Here our horses grazed about, 
while we boiled our meat. Midnight brought us up 
at Jones's, after riding forty, or perhaps fifty miles. 
The old man, our host, was kind enough to wake us 
up at four o'clock in the morning. We journeyed on 
through devious, lonely wilds, where no food might 
be found, except what grew in the woods or was 
carried with us. We met with two women who were 
going to see their friends, and to attend the quar- 
terly meeting at Clarksburg. Near midnight we 

stopped at A 's, who hissed his dogs at us ; but 

the women were determined to get to quarterly meet- 
ing, so we went in. Our supper was tea. Brothers 

Phoebus and Cook took to the woods ; old gave 

up his bed to the women. I lay along the floor on a 



218 Character and Career of [1788. 

few deer-skins with the fleas. That night our poor 
horses got no corn, and the next morning they had 
to swim across the Monongahela. After a twenty 
miles' ride we came to Clarksburg, and man and beast 
were so outdone that it took us ten hours to accom- 
plish it. I lodged with Col. Jackson. Our meeting 
was held in a room belonging to the Baptists. Our 
use of the house gave offense. There attended about 
seven hundred people, to whom I preached with free- 
dom ; and I believe the Lord's power reached the 
hearts of some. After administering the sacrament 
I was well satisfied to take my leave. 

"The Lame and the Blind." 

Sunday, August 17. I attempted to preach at Bath 
on "The lame and the blind :" the discourse was very 
lame ; and it may be I left my hearers as I found 
them — blind. 
Md,] Asbnry at Work for Cokesbury College. 

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, September 15, 
16, 17, were spent at Cokesbury in examining and 
arranging the temporal concerns of the college. 

Pa.] Conference at Philadelphia. 

Sunday, 21. I preached with some satisfaction, 
morning and evening, in Philadelphia. On Monday 
our conference began and held until Friday, 26. 

K". J.] Asbury at Elizabethtown. 

Sunday, 28. Preached in Elizabethtown. 

N. T.] Conference at New York, 

Monday, 29. Rode to New York. Next day (Tues- 
day, 30) our conference began, and continued until 
Saturday, the 4th of October. 



1788.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 219 

U, J.] Asbury Eeturns Through Hew Jersey. 

Sunday and Monday, October 5, 6. My soul was 
uncommonly led out in prayer and preaching — I 
found it a very gracious season. My return brought 
me through Elizabethtown, Amboy, Hydestown, 
Crosswecks, and Burlington. 

Del,] Again in Dover. 

Sunday, 12. I was much depressed in spirit while 
in Philadelphia. I left there on Wednesday, and 
preached at Chester, where I had some energy ; and 
had openings at Wilmington and Duck Creek, where 
I also administered the word of life. 

Mojiday, 20. Our meeting in Dover was attended 
with some power. At Milford we had liberty and 
love. At Johnstown I was very unwell, and was un- 
der the necessity of going to bed,' but our friends 
were alive : God is with them of a truth. Preached 
at Shankland's. My soul enjoys great peace and 
love. On Sunday I was under bodily affliction, but 
I went to the Court-house and spoke a few words on 
"Ye will not come to me that ye might have life." 
We have a house now building, and I hope something 
will be done here. 

Va,] lor and Against Slavery. 

Saturday, November 1. Attended a quarterly meet- 
ing at Garrettson Chapel. O how changed ! A 
preacher absent nearly nine weeks from his circuit, 
failing to give proper notice of the quarterly meeting. 
Other persuasions are less supine ; and their min- 
ister boldly preaches against the freedom of the 



220 Character and Career of [ 1 788. 

slaves ; our Brother Everett, with no less zeal and 
boldness, cries aloud for liberty — emancipation. 

Sunday, 2. Brother Whatcoat preached, and I ex- 
horted a little. We rode fifteen miles that evening, 
and held meeting again. 

Md.] Methodists Emancipate their Slaves. 

At Annamessex quarterly meeting I was at liberty 
on Rev. iii, 20. Again I preached on " Fear not, lit- 
tle flock/' etc. Most of our members in these parts 
have freed their slaves. 

Del.] A Shout Among the People. 

Saturday and Sunday, 22, 23. Attended quarterly 
meeting at William Frazier's. There was some 
quickening among the people each day. 

We crossed Choptank to Bolingbroke — death ! 
death ! The second day of our meeting a great 
power went through the congregation, and a noble 
shout was heard among the people. 

I was much led out at the Bayside. At Doctor 
Allen's I was greatly comforted, after a wet ride of 
thirty miles. 

I preached at Queenstown to a few people, who 
appear to be far gone in forgetfulness of God. 

Md.] Attempt to Burn Cokesbury College. 

Monday, December 8. Rode to Cecil Court-house, 
and had a profitable time. We crossed Elk River to 
Brother Ford's, and had a gracious meeting at his 
house. 

Tuesday, 9. We had a damp ride to Cokesbury, 
and found it was even as it had been reported to us. 
An attempt had been made to burn the college by 
putting fire into one of the closets ; but some of the 



1788.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 221 

students made a timely discovery, and it was extin- 
guished. I stayed two days and expended more than 
;£ioo, and felt my spirit tried. I put the young men 
to board in the college. We have some promising 
youths among them for learning, but they want 
religion. 

I came to Baltimore, and found some tokens of the 
Divine Presence, at the quarterly meeting, on Chron. 
xv, 8, " Thou canst save by many, or by those that 
have no might." 
Va.] An Offensive Smell of Eum. 

Christmas day. I preached in the open house at 
Fairfield's, on Isaiah ix, 6. I felt warm in speaking ; 
but there was an offensive smell of rum among the 
people. 
N. 0.] The Lord at Work— Good Times. 

Saturday and Sunday, yanuaty 17, 18, 1789. 
Preached at Whitaker's Chapel, where we had a prof- 
itable time. I found God had been working, and 
that many souls had been awakened. 

We came to JVs. In this neighborhood the Chris- 
tians are singularly devoted, but sinners yet stand it 
out. The Lord has begun to work on Sandy Creek, 
in Franklin County, where twenty souls have been 
lately brought to God. Came to Bemnet Hills, hun- 
gry and unwell. My soul enjoys much of God. 

S. 0.1 Hunger, Fatigue, and Pever. 

Tuesday, February 3. Came to the Green Ponds, 
where there was an appointment for me. I have 
ridden about one hundred and forty miles in the last 
seven days, through a very disagreeable part of the 
country to travel when the waters are high: I have 



222 Character and Career of \_ l 7%9- 

had various exercises, and have suffered hunger, 
fatigue, and fever, and have not had a comfortable 
bed for a week past. 

Coke and Asbury Find a Pulpit Competitor. 

Thursday, 26. Rode to Bruten's, and enjoyed un- 
common happiness in God. Some time in the night 
Dr. Coke came in; he had landed in Charleston 
about three hours after I left the city ; next day he 
and myself both spoke at Ridgell's. 

Sunday, March 1. We spent the day at Chester's. 
We had a very few hearers, occasioned, in part, by a 
black mans preaching not far distant. 

Ga.] Georgia Conference on Education. 

Sunday, 8. Our conference began at Grant's. Here 
we have a house for public worship, and one also at 
Merre weather's. On Thursday we appointed a com- 
mittee to procure five hundred acres of land for the 
establishment of a school in the State of Georgia. 
Conference being ended, we directed our hasty steps 
back to Charleston, calling at the several places we 
attended on our journey hither. 

S, 0.] Charleston Conference— Unkind Attack. 

Sunday 15. We reached the city, having ridden 
two hundred miles in about five days and two hours. 
Here I received a bitter pill from one of my greatest 
friends. Praise the Lord for my trials also — may they 
all be sanctified ! 

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 17, 18, 19, were 
spent in conference. It was a time of peace and love. 
My mind was much hurried with book and other 
temporal concerns. We had an unkind attack pub- 



1789.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 223 

lished against us relative to our slave rules ; it was 
answered to purpose. I had not much doubt who 
the author of this unworthy work was. 

H. 0,] Asbury Oares for the Indians. 

Wednesday, April 1. The people came together at 
Jackson's at twelve o'clock. I did not reach there 
until three. I enlarged a little on Zech. xiii, 12, 
and was somewhat severe. I rode to Savannah 
Creek, and met with an Antinomian people. Reached 
Threadgill's, after having been out twelve hours, and 
ridden nearly forty miles, without food for man or 
beast. 

Friday, 3. Preached by the way, and came to 
Randall's, twenty miles. We have ridden three hun- 
dred miles in about nine days, and our horses' backs 
are bruised with their loads. I want more faith, 
patience, and resignation to the will of God in all 
things. I wish to send an extra preacher to the 
Waxsaws to preach to the Catawba Indians : they 
have settled among the whites on a tract of country 
twelve miles square. 

VaJ Conference at Leesburg. 

Friday, 24. We rode about fifty miles, and next 
day reached Fredericksburg, but found no door open. 
We met with one soul in distress. 

Sunday, 26. Having no appointment to preach, we 
pushed on and rode forty-five miles, and lodged in 
Prince William county. 

Monday, 27. Arrived at Leesburg, and opened the* 
conference. We found a little rest comfortable to 
man and advantageous to beast. 



224 Character and Career of [ l 7%9- 

MdJ Conversions in Baltimore and Ookesbnry College. 

Sunday, May 3, was a great day to saints and sin- 
ners. God has wrought wonderfully in Brother Pig- 
man's neighborhood. Fifty or sixty souls have been 
suddenly and powerfully converted to God. 

Came to Baltimore, and had very lively meetings. 
Multitudes came to hear, and great cries were heard 
among the people, who continued together until 
three o'clock in the morning. Many souls professed 
to be convicted, converted, sanctified. 

On reaching Cokesbury we found that here also 
God was working among the students. One, how- 
ever, we expelled. We revised our laws, and settled 
our temporal concerns. 
N. J.l Conference at Trenton. 

Thursday, 21. Rode to Burlington, in Jersey. In 
crossing the Delaware we encountered an uncommon 
storm, but were providentially brought safely over. 
We were comfortable in our meeting, but we had 
a painful interview and explanation with L. H. H. 
O my soul, keep near to God! 

Friday ', 22. We rode to Trenton, and on Saturday, 
23, opened our conference in great peace. We 
labored for a manifestation of the Lord's power, and 
it was not altogether in vain. 

U. T.J The Work Opens in New York State and in Hew 

England. 
Thursday, 28. Our conference began. All things 
were conducted in peace and order. Our work opens 
in New York State. New England stretcheth out the 
hand to our ministry, and I trust thousands will 
shortly feel its influence. In the midst of haste I 
find peace within. 



1789.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 22$ 

Sunday, 31. We had a gracious season to preach- 
ers and people, while I opened and applied Isaiah 
xxv, 6-8. 

Dr. Coke Sails for England. 

Friday ', June 5. Dr. Coke left us and went on 
board the Union for Liverpool. My soul retires into 
solitude, and to God. This evening I was enabled to 
speak alarmingly, and felt my heart much engaged 
for about thirty minutes on Isaiah xxix, 17-19. The 
power of God and a baptizing ftame came among the 
people. 

Asbury in Duchess County. 

Sunday, 14. Preached at Jackson's, in Duchess 
county, to a considerable number of quiet hearers ; I 
hope not in vain. Brother Cook is low in body, but 
his soul is solidly happy in God, who will be glorified 
in his life or death. The people here are a still kind 
of folks ; but God can work in a storm or a calm. 

"The Poor First." ~ 

Friday, 19. I preached in a barn on the North 
River. My hearers were chiefly Low Dutch. Our 
congregations are small. The craft is in danger We 
are therefore not to wonder if we meet opposition. 
To begin at the right end of the work is to go first 
to the poor ; these will, the rich may possibly hear 
the truth. There are among us those who have blun- 
dered here. I feel as if I wanted to get across the 
river. I am pressed in spirit, and pity our preachers 
who labor here. It seems as if I should die among 

this people with exertions and grief. 

15 



226 Character and Carreer of [ 1 789. 

N. JJ "No Desire to See Them Again." 

Thursday, 25. I was sick. Brother Whatcoat gave 
them a sermon at Warwick on the " wages of sin," 
and I gave them a finishing exhortation. I have no 
desire to see them again until there is some change. 

Pa.] Asbury Not Satisfied with Eesults in Philadelphia. 

Friday, July 3. Came to Philadelphia. Here I found 
enough to do. My soul longs for more religion in 
this city. I am distressed for these people. Twenty 
years have we been laboring in Pennsylvania, and 
there are not one thousand in society. How many 
of these are truly converted God knows. 

Sunday, 5. We had a dead time. O that the Al- 
mighty would bless and stir up this people ! 

Not Cordially Eeceived at Carlisle. 

Friday, 10. I called on Mr. H., a Dutch Presby- 
terian minister. He and his wife were both very 
kind. I believe they are children of God. I had an 
interview with Mr. M., a Lutheran minister and 
teacher of languages. He is a child-like, simple- 
hearted man, and has a considerable knowledge of the 
arts and sciences. We came to York, but I felt no 
desire to preach. I proceeded on to Carlisle. In 
the morning I was permitted to preach in the church, 
but in the evening this privilege was denied me. It 
was said the reason was, because I did not read 
prayers, which I had forborne to do because of my 
eyes. I apprehend the true cause might be found in 
the pointed manner in which I spoke on " Blessed is 
he whosoever shall not be offended in me." I went 
to the court-house and called them to repentance 



1789.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 227 

from " Look unto me, and be ye saved, all ye ends 
of the earth," to the- great offense of all who set 
themselves up for judges, and who declared it was no 
preaching. 

Md.] Candidates for the Ministry Increasing. 

Friday, 31. I crossed the mountain, and lodged, I 
trust for the last time, at S.'s. Preached at Barratt's 
to a dry, unfaithful people. The number of can- 
didates for the ministry are many ; from which cir- 
cumstance I am led to think the Lord is about 
greatly to enlarge the borders of Zion. 

VaJ "Hot Born to Eiches." 

Friday, August 7. Came to Bath. I took lodgings 
with our Virginia friends, Adams and Summers. 

Saturday, 8. My soul has communion with God 
even here. When I behold the conduct of the people 
who attend the Springs, particularly the gentry, I am 
led to thank God that I was not born to riches. I 
have read much and spoken but little since I came 
here. The water has been powerful in its operation. 
I have been in great pain, and my studies are 
interrupted. 

A High Day at Shepherdstown. 

Saturday, 29. Our quarterly meeting began in the 
Woods near Shepherdstown. We had about seven hun- 
dred people. I felt energy and life in preaching, and 
power attended the word. Brother Willis spoke, and 
the Lord wrought powerfully. 

Sunday, 30. Was a high day — one thousand or 
fifteen hundred people attended ; sinners began to 



228 Character and Career of [ l 7^9- 

mock, and many cried aloud. I was wonderfully led 
out on Psalm cxlv, 8-12, and spoke, first and last, 
nearly three hours. O how the wicked contradicted 
and opposed ! 

Md.] "A Wonder-working Time." 

Monday, September 7. Preached at Rowle's. Here 
fifty or sixty souls profess to have been brought to 
God in a few weeks. We had a shout, and a soul 
converted to God. I preached in the evening at Bal- 
timore on " Lord, increase our faith." 

Tuesday, 8. Preached in town and at the Point. 
The last quarterly meeting was a wonder-working 
time : fifty or sixty souls appeared to be brought to 
God ; people were daily praying from house to house, 
some crying for mercy, others rejoicing in God, and 
not a few joining in society for the benefit of a relig- 
ious fellowship. Praise the Lord, O my soul ! I 
spent some time in visiting from house to house and 
begging for the college. The married men and sin- 
gle men, the married women and single women, I met 
apart and was comforted. Many of the children of the 
Methodists are the happy subjects of this glorious re- 
vival. We have more members in Baltimore (town 
and Point) than in any city or town on the continent 
besides. 

A Death at (Jokesbury. 

Monday, 21. Rode in the evening to Cokesbury. I 
found I. Steward had gone to his final rest. He was 
a pious lad who kept too close to his studies. He 
praised God to the last, even when he was delirious. 
It made the students very solemn for a season. 



1789.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 229 

N, J,] A New Church at Burlington. 

Tuesday, October 6. After twenty years' preaching 
they have built a very beautiful meeting-house at 
Burlington ; but it is low times there in religion. 
At New Mills both preachers and people appeared to 
feel, and the watch-night was attended with some 
breathings after God. 

Thursday y 8. We had a poor, dry meeting at 
Mount Holly. Some were alarmed with fear, lest 
we should make a noise as we had done in Philadel- 
phia. Some dear country friends felt the Lord pow- 
fully, and carried home the flame. 

DeL] Dedication at Wilmington, 

Wednesdayy 14. I preached at Wilmington, on the 
dedication of our new chapel. Thus far are we come 
after more than twenty years' labor in this place. 

Thursday y 15. I preached at Dickinson's. Here 
we have a good house built, and a blessed founda- 
tion of living stones fixed on the chief Corner-stone. 
After preaching at Severson's and Duck Creek 
Cross-Roads, we came on Saturday to Dover quarter- 
ly meeting. Here the congregation was large and 
serious. 

A Charity School, 

Monday y November 2. I rode forty miles to Mag- 
goty Bay, and preached to a few people. The Antino- 
mians please them and gain them — alas ! for us. O 
that the Lord would send an earthquake of his power 
among them! 

Tttesday, 3. We had an open time at Brother 



230 Character and Career of \_ l 7§9' 

J.'s. The school for the charity boys much occu- 
pies my mind. Our annual expenditure will amount 
to two hundred pounds, and the aid we get is but 
trifling. The poverty of the people, and the general 
scarcity of money, is the great source of our difficul- 
ties. The support of our preachers who have fami- 
lies absorbs our collections, so that neither do our 
elders nor the charity school get much. We have 
the poor, but they have no money ; and the worldly, 
wicked rich we do not choose to ask. 

MdJ The " Saints of the World Displeased." 

Saturday, 7. At Annamessex quarterly meeting 
the Lord was among the people. Sunday, at the 
love-feast, the young were greatly filled, and the pow- 
er of the Most High spread throughout. It appeared 
as if they would have continued till night if they had 
not been in some measure forced to stop that we 
might have public worship. I spoke on Isa. lxiv, 1-5. 
There were very uncommon circumstances of a su- 
pernatural kind said to be observed at this meet- 
ing. The saints of the world are dreadfully displeased 
at this work, which, after all, is the best evidence 
that it is of God. 

Ookesbury— Council Held in Baltimore. 

Sunday, 29. I preached at Duck Creek. Stopped 
and gave them a discourse at Middletown, and 
spent the. evening with a worthy, kind friend. A 
number of dear old brethren accompanied me to 
Cokesbury, where we had an examination of the 
boys, and stationed eleven on charity. Thence we 
hastened on to Baltimore. 



1789.] Bishop Asbur4 Illustrated. 231 

Thursday, December 3. Our council was seated, con- 
sisting of the following persons, namely, Richard Ivey, 
from Georgia ; R. Ellis, South Carolina ; E. Morris, 
North Carolina ; Phil. Bruce, North District of Vir- 
ginia ; James O' Kelly, South District of Virginia ; L. 
Green, Ohio ; Nelson Reid, Western Shore of Mary- 
land ; J. Everett, Eastern Shore ; John Dickins, 
Pennsylvania ; J. O. Cromwell, Jersey ; and Freeborn 
Garrettson, New York. All our business was done 
in love and unanimity. The concerns of the college 
were well attended to, as also the printing business. 
We formed some resolutions relative to economy 
and union, and others concerning the funds for the 
relief of our suffering preachers on the frontiers. 
We rose on the eve of Wednesday following. During 
our sitting we had preached every night ; some few 
souls were stirred up, and others converted. The 
pricdence of some had stilled the noisy ardor of our 
young people, and it was difficult to rekindle the 
fire. I collected about twenty-eight pounds for the 
poor suffering preachers in the West. We spent one 
day in speaking our own experiences, and giving an 
account of the progress and state of the work of God 
in our several districts. A spirit of union pervades 
thfc whole body, producing most blessed effects and 
fruits. 

Va.] Faithfully Warned, 

January 1, 1790. No appointment for preaching. 
We are bound to the South, and shall proceed on as 
fast as we can. 

Saturday, 2. We were refreshed in the evening. 
Next day (Sabbath) I preached at Chickahominy 



232 Character and Career of [ J 790. 

church once more. Sinners, pharisees, backsliders, 
hypocrites, and believers, were faithfully warned, 
and of all these characters there were, doubtless, a 
goodly number in the large congregation which at- 
tended. 

James O'Kelly— Kestless, 

Tuesday, 12. From Mabry's we came to Bruns- 
wick quarterly meeting, where there was a considera- 
ble quickening and manifestation of the Lord's power. 
We had a good meeting at Roanoke chapel. I re- 
joiced that society had increased to more than a hun- 
dred souls. 

I received a letter from the presiding elder of this 
district, James O'Kelly. He makes heavy complaints 
of my power, and bids me stop for one year or he 
must use his influence against me. Power ! power ! 
There is not a vote given in a conference in which the 
presiding elder has not greatly the advantage of me. 
All the influence I am to gain over a company of 
young men in a district must be done in three weeks. 
The greater part of them, perhaps, are seen by me 
only at conference, while the presiding elder has had 
them with him all the year, and has the greatest op- 
portunity of gaining influence. This advantage may 
be abused ; let the bishops look to it. But who has 
the power to lay an embargo on me, and to make of 
none effect the decision of all the conferences of the 
union ? 

H. 0.] A shiny Sweeps Through the Counties. 

Tuesday, 26. Since we crossed Roanoke River we 
have passed through Warren, Granville, Wake, Chat- 



I 79°-l Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 233 

ham, Orange, Randolph, and Richmond counties, in 
North Carolina. 

After passing Hedge Cock Creek I preached at 
Night's chapel on " My grace is sufficient for thee." 
There was some quickening, and I was blest. It is 
no small exercise to ride twenty miles or more, as we 
frequently do, before twelve o'clock, taking all kinds 
of food and lodging, and weather too, as it comes, 
whether it be good or bad. 

S. 0,] Good News— All Partake of the Joy. 

Wednesday, February 10. Came to Charleston. 
Here I received good news from Baltimore and New 
York ; about two hundred souls have been brought 
to God within a few weeks. We feel a little quick- 
ening here. Brother Whatcoat preaches every night. 

Saturday, 13. The preachers are coming in to the 
conference. I have felt fresh springs of desire in my 
soul for a revival of religion. O may the work be 
general ! It is a happy thing to be united as is our 
society. The happy news of the revival of the work 
of God flies from one part of the continent to the 
other, and all partake of the joy. 

Charleston Conference Eesolves to Establish Sunday-Schools, 

Wednesday, 1 7. I preached on " If thou take forth 
the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my 
mouth. ,, It was a searching season ; several spoke 
and prayed, and we had noise enough. The even- 
ing before an extract of sundry letters from New 
York and Baltimore was read in the congregation, at 
which saints and sinners were affected. But we 
have not a sufficient breastwork. Our friends are 



234 Character and Career of [1790. 

too mute and fearful, and many of the out-doors people 
are violent and wicked. Our conference resolved on 
establishing Sunday-schools for poor children, white 
and black. 

Ga.] Preachers' Salaries and Deficiencies. 

Wednesday, March 10. Our conference began at 
Grant's. We had preaching every day, and there 
were some quickenings among the people. Our busi- 
ness was conducted in peace and unanimity. The 
deficiencies of the preachers, who receive a salary 
of sixty-four dollars'per annum from this conference, 
amounted to seventy-four pounds for the last year. 

"Wesley and Whitefield School. 

Thursday, 1 1. We had a rainy day, yet a full house, 
and a living love-feast. Some souls were converted, 
and others professed sanctification. I had some 
opening in speaking from Ezek. ii, 7. We have a 
prospect of obtaining a hundred acres of land for 
every one hundred pounds we can raise and pay for 
the support of Wesley and Whitefield school. On 
Monday we rode out to view three hundred acres of 
land offered for the above purpose. My soul has 
been much tried since conference began. I must 
strive to keep from rising too high or sinking too low. 

S. 0.1 Six Hundred Miles in Three Weeks. 

Sunday, 21. Preached to a quiet people, and had a 
small stir. We had a meeting in the evening at 
Brother Smith's. 

Monday, 22. I feel myself unwell with a sick and 
nervous headache. We have traveled about six hun- 



x 79°-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 235 

dred miles in about three weeks, besides the time 
taken up in conference. Thou, Lord, wilt have mer- 
cy, and save both man and beast ! I expect Provi- 
dence brought us this way, to pity and to help the 
people. Dear Brother and Sister S. are unspeakably 
kind. 

"S, 0.] Asbury Contemplating Death, 

Friday, 26. Rode about twenty-two miles. Stopped 
at Colonel Graham's, dripping wet with rain. He 
received us, poor strangers, with great kindness, 
and treated us hospitably. We* had awful thunder, 
wind, and rain. I was still unwell with a complaint 
that terminated the life of my grandfather Asbury, 
whose name I bear ; perhaps it will also be my end. 
We were weather-bound until Monday morning, the 
2tyJi of March. For several days I have been very 
sick and serious. I have been enabled to look into 
eternity with some pleasure. I could give up the 
church, the college, and schools ; nevertheless, there 
was one drawback — What will my enemies and mis- 
taken friends say ? Why, that he had offended the 
Lord, and he hath taken him away. In the after- 
noon I felt somewhat better. Brother Whatcoat 
preached a most excellent sermon on " The kingdom 
of God is not in word but in power " — not in senti- 
ments or forms, but in the convincing, converting, 
regenerating, sanctifying power of God. 

Thunder and Lightning and Telling of Wolves. 

Monday, April 5. We made an early move. After 

worming the stream for awhile we took through 

the Laurel Hill, and had to scale the mountains, 

which in some places were rising like the roof of a 



236 Character and Career of \_ l 79®- 

house. We came to the head of Watauga River, a 
most neglected place. We passed by W.'s, a poor 
lodging, and slept at the Beaver Dam in a cabin with- 
out a cover, except what a few boards supplied. 
We had very heavy thunder and lightning, and most 
hideous yelling of wolves around, with rain, which 
is frequent in the mountains. 

Tenn,] Condition of the Preachers. 

Wednesday ', 7. We reached Nelson's chapel about 
one o'clock, after riding about eighteen miles.- Now 
it is that we must prepare for danger in going through 
the wilderness. I received a faithful letter from 
Brother Poythress in Kentucky, encouraging me to 
come. I found the poor preachers indifferently clad, 
with emaciated bodies, and subject to hard fare ; yet 
I hope they are rich in faith. 

A Great Load for a Little Horse. 

Monday ', 12. We loaded Brother Anderson's little 
horse with my great bags and two pair smaller, four 
saddles, with blankets and provender. We then set 
out and walked ten miles, and our horses were brought 
to us, and those who brought them were pleased to 
take what we pleased to give. Brother A. sought 
the Lord by fasting and prayer, and had a strong 
impression that it was the will of God that I should 
not go with that company. 

A Poor Sinner Highly Offended. 

Tuesday ', 13. We came back to A.'s — a poor sin- 
ner. He was highly offended that we prayed so loud 
in his house. He is a distiller of whisky, and boasts 



1790.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 237 

of gaining ^300 per annum by the brewing of this 
poison. We talked very plainly, and I told him that 
it was of necessity, and not of choice, we were there. 
Perhaps the greatest offense was given by my speak- 
ing against distilling and slave-holding. 

Two Thousand Pive Hundred Miles in Two Months. 

From December 14, 1789, to April 20, 1790, we 
compute to have traveled two thousand five hundred 
and seventy-eight miles. Hitherto hath the Lord 
helped. Glory ! glory to our God ! 

VaJ Indian Murders. 

Wednesday, 28. We had a dreary ride down to the 
Ford of Clinch through a solitary plain. Many at- 
tended at L.'s. 

We rode down to Blackmore's station. Here the 
people have been forted on the north side of Clinch. 
Poor Blackmore has had a son and daughter killed 
by the Indians. They are of opinion here that the 
Cherokees were the authors of this mischief. I also 
received an account of two families having been 
killed, and of one female that was taken prisoner, 
and afterward retaken by the neighbors and brought 
back. 

Friday, 30. Crossed Clinch about two miles below 
the fort. In passing along I saw the precipice from 
which Blackmore's unhappy son leaped into the 
river after receiving the stroke of a tomahawk in his 
head. I suppose, by the measure of my eye, it must 
be between fifty and sixty feet descent. His com- 
panion was shot dead upon the spot. This happened 
on the 6th of April, 1789. 



23 S Character and Career of [ J 790. 

We came a dreary road over rocks, ridges, hills, 
stones, and streams, along a blind, tortuous path, to 
Moccasin Gap and Creek ; thence to Smith's Ferry 
across the north branch of Holstein. Here I found 
some lies had been told on me, but feeling myself 
innocent, I was not moved. 

A Guard from Kentucky— Asbury's Dream. 

Monday, May 3. I preached at Brother Payne's, 
and had some encouragement among our Maryland 
people. Sabbath night I dreamed the guard from 
Kentucky came for me, and mentioned it to Brother 
W. In the morning I retired to a small stream for 
meditation and prayer, and while there saw two men 
come over the hills. I felt a presumption that they 
were Kentucky men, and so they proved to be ; they 
were Peter Massie and John Clark, who were coming 
for me, with the intelligence that they had left eight 
men below. After reading the letters, and asking 
counsel of God, I consented to go with them. 

Ky.l A Journey Through the Wilderness— Graves of the Slain, 

Tuesday, 11. Crossed Kentucky River. I was 
strangely outdone for want of sleep, having been 
greatly deprived of it in my journey through the 
wilderness ; which is like being at sea, in some re- 
spects, and in others worse. Our way is over mount- 
ains, steep hills, deep rivers, and through muddy 
creeks ; a thick growth of reeds for miles together, 
and no inhabitants but wild beasts and savage men. 
Sometimes, before I am aware, my ideas would be 
leading me to be looking out ahead for a fence, and 
I would, without reflection, try to recollect the houses 



I 79 -] Bishop As bury Illustrated. 239 

we should have lodged at in the wilderness. I slept 
about an hour the first night, and about two the last. 
We ate no regular meal ; our bread grew short, and 
I was much spent. 

I saw the graves of the slain — twenty-four in one 
camp. I learn that they had set no guard, and that 
they were up late, playing at cards. A poor woman 
of the company had dreamed three times that the 
Indians had surprised and killed them all ; she urged 
her husband to entreat the people to set a guard, but 
they only abused him, and cursed him for his pains. 
As the poor woman was relating her last dream the 
Indians came upon the camp ; she and her husband 
sprung away, one east the other west, and escaped. 
She afterward came back, and witnessed the carnage. 
These are some of the melancholy accidents to which 
the country is subject for the present. As to the 
land, it is the richest body of fertile soil I have ever 
beheld. 

Asbury Holds a Conference in Lexington, 

Thursday, 13. Our conference was held at Brother 
Masterson's ; a very comfortable house, and kind 
people. We went through our business in great love 
and harmony. I ordained Wilson Lee, Thomas Will- 
iamson, and Barnabas M'Henry, elders. We had 
preaching noon and night, and souls were converted 
and the fallen restored. My soul has been blessed 
among those people, and I am exceedingly pleased 
with them. I would not, for the worth of all the 
place, have been prevented in this visit, having no 
doubt but that it will be for the good of the present 
and rising generation. It is true, such exertions of 
mind and body are trying, but I am supported under 



240 Character and Career of \_ l 79®- 

them ; if souls are saved it is enough. Brother Poy- 
thress is much alive to God. We fixed a plan for a 
school, and called it Bethel, and obtained a subscrip- 
tion of upward of three hundred pounds, in land and 
money, toward its establishment. 

Keturn Journey— Asbury Adjutant and Quartermaster. 

Monday, 24. We set out on our return through the 
wilderness with a large and helpless company : we 
had about fifty people, twenty of whom were armed, 
and five of whom might have stood fire. To pre- 
serve order and harmony, we had articles drawn up 
for, and signed by, our company, and I arranged the 
people for traveling according to the regulations 
agreed upon. Some disaffected gentlemen, who 
would neither sign nor come under discipline, had 
yet the impudence to murmur when left behind. 
The first night we lodged some miles beyond the 
Hazel-patch. The next day we discovered signs of 
Indians, and some thought they heard voices ; we 
therefore thought it best to travel on, and did not 
encamp until three o'clock, halting on the east side 
of Cumberland River. We had gnats enough. We 
had an alarm, but it turned out to be a false alarm. 
A young gentleman, a Mr. Alexander, behaved 
exceedingly well, but his tender frame was not ade- 
quate to the fatigue to be endured, and he had well- 
nigh fainted on the road to Cumberland Gap. Brother 
Massie was captain, and finding -I had gained au- 
thority among the people, I acted somewhat in the 
capacity of an adjutant and quartermaster among 
them. At the foot of the mountain the company 
separated ; the greater part went on with me to 



I 79 -] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 241 

Powell's River. Here we slept on the earth, and 
next day made the Grassy Valley. Several of the 
company, who were not Methodists, expressed their 
high approbation of our conduct, and most affection- 
ately invited us to their houses. The journeys of 
each day were as follows : Monday, forty-five miles ; 
Tuesday, fifty miles ; Wednesday, sixty miles. 

TennJ General EnsselTs a Favorite Stopping-place. 

Thursday, 27. By riding late we reached Captain 
Amie's, where I had a bed to rest on. 

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 28, 29, 30, I spent 
at General Russell's, whose wife was converted since 
I left the house last. I thought then that she was 
not far from the kingdom of God. 

N . 0.] Conference on the Yadkin Eiver. 

Tuesday, June 1. I rode about forty-five miles to 
Armstrong's, and next day reached M' Knight's on 
the Yadkin River, in N. C. Here the conference had 
been waiting for me nearly two weeks. We rejoiced 
together, and my brethren received me as one brought 
from the jaws of death. Our business was much 
matured, the critical concern of the council under- 
stood, and the plan, with its amendments, adopted. 

Saturday and Stmday, 5, 6, were days of the 
Lord's presence and power — several were converted. 
We had an ordination each day. We have admitted 
into full connection some steady men, with disposi- 
tions and talents for the work. 

Va.] Conference at Petersburg. 

Monday, 14. Our conference began ; all was peace 
until the council was mentioned. The young men 

16 



242 Character and Career of [ l 79°- 

appeared to be entirely under the influence of the 
elders, and turned it out-of-doors. I was weary, and 
felt but little freedom to speak on the subject. This 
business is to be explained to every preacher, and 
then it must be carried through the conferences 
twenty-four times, that is, through all the conferences 
for two years. We had some little quickenings, but 
no great move among the people at our public preach- 
ing. Mr. Jarratt preached for us ; friends at first are 
friends again at last. There were four elders and 
seventeen deacons ordained : ten young men who 
offered to travel, besides those who remained on trial. 
We have good news from a far country : Jersey 
flames with religion ; some hundreds are converted. 
The work of God does revive here, although not in 
the same degree as it did two years ago. In the 
midst of all my labor and trouble I enjoy peace 
within. 

"Alone Before the Lord." 
Monday, 21. We had the Divine presence in our 
worship at Sister Stringers. I am often blessed at 
the houses of the fatherless and widows. Now, I 
say to my body, return to thy labor ; to my soul, re- 
turn to thy rest and pure delight in reading, medita- 
tion, prayer, and solitude. The shady groves are wit- 
ness to my retired and sweetest hours. To sit, and 
melt, and bow alone before the Lord, while the 
melody of the birds warbles from tree to tree, how 
delightful ! 

Pa.] Conference at Uniontown. 

Saturday, yuly 31. I spoke on education, from 
Prov. xxii, 6. I was led to enlarge on the obligations 



I 79 -] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 243 

of parents to their children, and the nature of that 
religious education which would be most likely to fit 
them for this, and which alone could qualify them for 
the next world. 

Sunday, August 1. I ordained C. C, I. L., and 
G. C, elders, and four deacons. Here there is a 
revival among preachers and people. Some of the 
societies are much engaged with God, and after we 
have had a few more conferences in Uniontown I 
hope we. shall drive Satan out, and have a glorious 
work. 
Va.] Asbnry's Spirit of Meekness. 

Wednesday, 25. Our conference began at Lees- 
burg, and we continued together until the Sabbath 
following, and had a happy time of peace and union. 

To conciliate the minds of our brethren in the 
south district of Virginia, who are restless about the 
council, I wrote their leader a letter, informing him 
"that I would take my seat in council as another 
member/' and, in that point at least, waive the claims 
of episcopacy ; yea, I would lie down and be trodden 
upon, rather than knowingly injure one soul. 

Md,] Students at Ookesbury— Exercises, 

Friday, September 3. At night I preached in Balti- 
more : " O Ephraim ! how shall I give thee up ? " 

Monday, 6. Our conference began ; was conducted 
in great peace and union, and ended on Wednesday, 8. 
Thursday, 9. I rode to Cokesbury. 
Friday, 10. In the morning philosophical lectures 
were delivered, and in the afternoon the boys de- 
livered their orations, some parts of which were 
exceptionable, and duly noticed. 



244 Character and Career of [ x 790. 

Saturday, n. We made some regulations relative 
to the order and government to be observed in the 
college. 

Sunday, 1 2. I preached in the college hall on Matt, 
xxv, 31, to forty-six scholars. Brothers D. and C. 
spoke after me. 

Pa.] A New Chapel in Philadelphia— (Ebenezer.) 

Monday, 20. I reached the city of Philadelphia. 
Our brethren have built a new chapel, thirty feet 
square, at the south end of the city. I feel myself 
fatigued and unwell, occasioned by riding a rough- 
going horse. 

Tuesday, 21. This day was spent in reading, writ- 
ing, and visiting. 

"I Must Needs Go Through Samaria." 
Wednesday, 22. The conference began in poor 
Pennsylvania district; all was peace and love. Our 
printing is in a good state. Our society in the city 
of Philadelphia are generally poor ; perhaps it is well. 
When men become rich they sometimes forget they 
are Methodists. I am weak and have been busy, and 
am not animated by the hope of doing good here. 
" I must needs go through Samaria." 

N. J.] The Wicked Eage— God Triumphs. 

Monday, 27. Rode to Burlington, the place ap- 
pointed for our next conference. Here I preached 
on " Searching Jerusalem with candles," and it was 
a searching season. On Tuesday night we had a 
shout — then came the bulls of Bashan and broke our 
windows. It was well my head escaped the vio- 
lence of these wicked sinners. I hope the strong 



1790.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 245 

power of Satan will feel a shake this conference. 
The session has been in great peace. Harmony has 
prevailed, and the council has been unanimously 
adopted. 

Wednesday, 29. We had a love-feast, and a genuine 
sweet melting ran through the house. S. Strattan 
stood up and declared he had followed the work of 
God for six months, and that he believed six hundred 
souls had professed conversion in that time. There 
is a most genuine work in several places, namely, in 
Flanders, Trenton, Burlington, Salem, and Bethel 
circuits. Glory to our wonder-working God ! AH 
hail, eternal Father, co-equal Son, and everlasting 
Spirit, in time and forever ! Amen and amen ! ! 

Hf. YJ The Hew Church 

Sunday, October 3. I preached at the old church, 
and in the afternoon at the new, on Matt, xxv, 31-46. 
The new church is commodious, elegant, yet plain. 

Monday, 4. We began our conference, and sat with 
close application to business until Thursday morning. 
All was peace, order, and unanimity. On Thursday 
evening I returned to Elizabethtown. 

PaJ Asbury in Philadelphia. 

Sunday Morning, 10, was rainy. I preached at St. 
George's church, and again in the evening. H. Willis 
is come hither to settle himself in life, and will prob- 
ably gb into trade. The Church has thereby lost, in 
part, a faithful servant. 

DeL] Sister Dickinson, 

Friday, 15. I did not reach Dickinson's in time; 
however, I spoke a little. I found Sister Dickinson 



246 Character and Career of [ l 790. 

wrapped in clay, whom I left sick about three weeks 
ago. She has been an attentive, devoted woman, has 
washed the saints' feet, and kindly served the dear 
servants of God, and I trust her soul is now in peace. 
I spoke a little at Duck Creek Cross-Roads, where 
nearly thirty members have been added to the society 
since last conference. 

"Weighty Matters. 
Monday, 18. At Thomas White's my soul has been 
made to feel very solemn. A view of the remarkable 
work of God ; the death of some, and the deep spirit- 
uality of others ; the sending out young men for the 
ministry, and the providing for the fatherless and 
widows ; these are all weighty matters, and greatly 
occupied my mind. In the midst of all my soul 
panteth after God. 

VaJ " If They "Will Shout, Why Let Them Shout" 

Monday, November 1. I preached at Accomack 
court-house on Rom. i, 16. We had a weighty 
season. A poor man, who had lately professed re- 
ligion, appeared to be somewhat distracted. He has 
been a vile sinner, but I hope he will recover his 
right mind ; the family is subject to derangement. . 
There are some unreasonable things among the 
people here ; but we are afraid of gathering out the 
tares, lest we should root up the wheat also. V^e must 
continue to observe the order of God and our own 
discipline, attend to preaching, prayer, class-meeting, 
and love-feast ; and then, if they will shout, why let 
them shout. 



I 79 -] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 247 

Md.] Henry Ennalls Converted and His Slaves Freed. 

Tuesday, 9. We had a gracious love-feast in Dor- 
set, and I addressed parents very seriously on Deut. 
vi, 67. I lodged with Brother Henry Ennalls, who, 
with his wife, has been powerfully brought to God. 
His slaves were freed immediately. His sister, Nancy 
Bassett, has gone to rest ; the other two have fol- 
lowed the example of a dear brother. God has heard 
their prayers. 

Ookesbmy— Students Examined, 

Sunday, 21. At Cecil quarterly meeting, held at 
Dickinson's, we had many people and some life. On 
Monday I rode to Dr. Clayton's, and next day to 
Cokesbury, where I continued until Monday, the 
29///. We then examined the students relatively to 
learning and religion, paid debts, and put matters in 
better order. We have forty-five boys. The chari- 
table subscriptions to the establishment amount to 
^300 per annum. 

VaJ A Comprehensive Wish, 

Monday, December 20. The weather softening, I 
made haste to get across the Rappahannock, and 
reached Brother B.'s, about twenty-five miles. I 
found myself much chilled by my ride. My soul has 
been kept in great peace, and almost in constant 
prayer. I wish to feel so placid as not to have any 
acid in my temper, nor a frown or wrinkle on my 
brow; to bear all things, do all things, suffer all 
things, from the ignorance or weakness of the chil- 
dren of God, or the wickedness of the sons and 
daughters of Satan. I think my soul momently pants 
after more of Gocl. 



248 Character and Career of [ 1 79 1 . 

The Lord at Work in Virginia, 

Wednesday, Jamiaiy 5, 1791. We had a blessed 
time at Norfolk while I applied Zech. xii, 10. Many- 
praised the Lord aloud. I was closely employed 
until the moment I left town. I find the Lord has 
wrought in Norfolk, Portsmouth, and the country 
round about. 

H.OJ "Hail, Happy Dead!" 

Saturday, 22. Crossed Neuse River, at Smith's 
ferry, and came to the dwelling of the late General 
Hardy Bryan, a man I had often heard of and wished 
to see. But death, swift and sudden, reached the 
house before me. His son H. died the 18th of last 
November, his daughter Mary December 28th, and 
himself the 10th instant. Each of them feared the 
Lord and were happy souls. 

Sunday, 23. I had very great opening on 1 Thess. 
iv, 13, 14. It was on the occasion of the late lamented 
deaths. Surely this is loud preaching — it is one of 
the most awakening scenes of my life. How soon 
were these dear souls justified, sanctified, and called 
home to glory ! Hail, happy dead ! We toil below, 
but hope, erelong, with you to sing God's praise 
above. 

" As Happy as Princes in a Palace." 

Tuesday, February 1. I had a large congregation at 
the Sand Hills. Feeling myself enlarged in spirit, 
although weak in body, I entered very extensively 
into the nature and excellences of the Gospel. We 
administered the Lord's Supper, and had a shaking 
among the people. Brothers L. and B. were there, 



1 79 l •] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 249 

and we rejoiced in the Lord together. We were 
honored with a little cabin at a distance from the 
other houses, about eight feet wide and nine feet long, 
and were as happy as princes in a palace. 

S. 0.] A Great Change in Six Years. 

Tuesday, 8. We came a long, dreary way, missed 
our road, and at last reached Brother S.'s, a distance 
of twenty-five miles, which our wandering made thirty 
miles. I rejoice to find that this desert country has 
gracious souls in it. O how great the change in the 
flight of six years ! We have now many friends and 
some precious souls converted to God. Glory be to 
the Lord most high ! The misconduct of other men 
is my grief, but not my sin, so I will trust God with 
his own cause. 

Friday, 1 1. We set out for Black River from about 
six miles above Kingston, having Bull Run, Bramble 
Island, and great Pedee to cross. Reaching Black 
River, we were compelled to turn aside to Mr. S.'s 
plantation, where we procured provender for our 
horses and breakfasted on our own tea. 

Dr. Ooke Beturns to America. 
Wednesday, 23. Long-looked-for Doctor Coke came 
to town. He had been shipwrecked off Edisto. I 
found the Doctor's sentiments with regard to the 
council quite changed. James O'Kellys letters had 
reached London. I felt perfectly calm, and acceded 
to a general conference for the sake of peace. 

Ga,] The Work in Georgia Dead— 'Causes. 

Sunday, March 13. Came to Georgetown at Oge- 
chee Shoals and found Satan was there. I leveled 



250 Character and Career of [ l 79 l > 

away on the parable of the sower. I came to Brother 
H.'s. Heard heavy tidings. My soul is calm. Let 
the Lord look to his own house. I hasted to Scott's. 
Doctor Coke came in time enough to preach, and 
then we opened a conference. 

We sat very closely to our work, and had some 
matters of moment to attend to in the course of our 
deliberations. I have ridden about two hundred and 
fifty miles in Georgia, and find the work in general 
very dead. The peace with the Creek Indians, the 
settlement of new lands, good trade, buying slaves, 
etc., take up the attention of the people. 

S. 0.] White and Bed Indians. 

Saturday, 26. We had white and red Indians at 
Catawba ; the Doctor and myself both preached. I 
had some conversation with the chiefs of the Indians 
about keeping up the school we have been endeavor- 
ing to establish among them. I asked for one of 
their children, but the father would not give consent, 
nor would the child come. My body is weak, but 
my mind has heaven and peace within. We closely 
employed our intervals of leisure in preparing different 
tracts for the press. 

Va.] Dr. Coke and Asbury Working Together. 

Sunday, April 10. Doctor Coke and myself both 
preached at Watson's church, and there was some 
little effect produced. I spent the evening with 
George Adams, a true son of his worthy father, Sil- 
vanus Adams, for kindness to the preachers. We 
moved from G. Adams's to the Widow Dick's, and 
thence, next day, to Brother Marten's. 



I 79 1 -] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 251 

Wednesday, 13. Came to Difficult church, where we 
were honored with the company of some of the great. 
The Doctor preached a noble sermon on the Divinity 
of Christ, and I urged, " It is time to seek the Lord." 
Afterward we preached in Charlotte and Mecklen- 
burg, and on Sunday following came to quarterly 
meeting at Sister Walkers in Brunswick. Doctor 
Coke went to the barn, and I preached in the house. 
The rain rendered our meeting uncomfortable. 

Hews of Wesley's Death ! Asbmy's Estimate of His Character. 

Friday, 29. The solemn news reached our ears that 
the public papers had announced the death of that 
dear man of God, John Wesley. He died in his own 
house in London, in the eighty-eighth year of his 
age, after preaching the Gospel sixty-four years. 
When we consider his plain and nervous writings ; 
his uncommon talent for sermonizing and journaliz- 
ing ; that he had such a steady flow of animal spirits ; 
so much of the spirit of government in him ; his 
knowledge as an observer ; his attainments as a 
scholar ; his experience as a Christian ; I conclude 
his equal is not to be found among all the sons he 
hath brought up, nor his superior among all the sons 
of Adam he may have left behind. Brother Coke 
was sunk in spirit, and wished to hasten home imme- 
diately. For myself, notwithstanding my long ab- 
sence from Mr. Wesley, and a few unpleasant ex- 
pressions in some of the letters the dear old man has 
written to me, (occasioned by the misrepresentations 
of others,) I feel the stroke most sensibly ; and, I ex- 
pect, I shall never read his Works without reflecting 
on the loss which the Church of God and the world 



252 Character and Career of i l 79*- 

has sustained by his death. Dr. Coke, accompanied 
by Brother C. and Dr. G., set out for Baltimore 
in order to get the most speedy passage to En- 
gland, leaving me to fill the appointments. I had a 
large congregation at Sister Bombry's. In the after- 
noon I rode to Sister Waller's, making a journey of 
forty miles for this day. Next day I overtook Dr. 
Coke and his company at Colchester. At Alexandria 
Dr. Coke had certain information of Mr. Wesley's 
death. On Sabbath day he reached Baltimore, and 
preached on the occasion of Mr. Wesley's death, and 
mentioned some things which gave offense. 

MdJ Conferences at Baltimore and Duck Creek, 

Thursday \ May 5. This day and the two following 
days we held conference in Baltimore, and great love 
and sweetness prevailed throughout the sitting. I 
preached to a large congregation on the Sabbath, and 
we had a gracious time. 

Monday, 9. Came to Cokesbury. I found there 
was a vast demand for money for the establishment, 
there having been an expenditure of ^700 in five 
months. 

Tuesday, 10. Crossed Susquehanna and came to 
Cecil, and next day reached Duck Creek. Our 
conference began, and was conducted in much peace 
and harmony among preachers and people. Our 
meetings in public were attended with great power. 

Sunday, 15. Two elders and three deacons were 
ordained. After the ordination I rode to Middle- 
town, Del., and preached to a large congregation. 



I 79 1 -] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 253 

Pa.] Last Interview with Dr. Coke. 

Monday \ 16. I rode to New Castle, and had the 
last interview with Dr. Coke. In the evening I came 
to Chester, and the next day (the 17th) arrived in 
Philadelphia and opened conference. We had a ten- 
der, melting account of the dealings of God with 
many souls, and settled our business in much peace. 
Mr. Hammett came from Charleston with a wonder- 
ful list of petitioners desiring his return. To this, as 

far as I had to say, I submitted ; but I 

see and hear many things that might wound my 
spirit if it were not that the Lord bears me up above 
all. 

N, J.] Eighteen Tears Ago. 

Sunday, 22. I preached in Trenton on Joel ii, 17. 
Several preachers exhorted, and the Lord made sin- 
ners tremble. Eighteen years ago I often slipped 
away from Philadelphia to Burlington one w r eek, and 
Trenton another, to keep a few souls alive. I had 
then no conferences to take up my time and occupy 
my thoughts ; and now — what hath God wrought ! 

We attended to the business of the conference with 
a good spirit. In the course of our sitting we had 
some pleasing and some painful circumstances to ex- 
cite our feelings. 

N. T.] Conference in New York— Asbury Preaches on the 
Death of Wesley. 

Thursday, 26. Our conference came together in 
great peace and love. Our ordinary business was en- 
livened by the relation of experiences, and by profita- 
ble observations on the work of God. 



254 Character and Career of [ l 79i- 

Nothing would satisfy the conference and the 
society but my consenting to preach on the occa- 
sion of Mr. Wesley's death, which I did on Sunday, 
May 29. My text was 2 Tim. iii, 10, II. 

Monday \ 30. Our conference rose, and after love- 
feast the preachers dispersed. We had had about 
thirty preachers at this conference, and not a frown, 
a sign of sour temper, or an unkind word was seen 
or heard among us ; but I am sick, and quite out- 
done with constant labor. Mr. Hammett's preaching 
was not well received ; it was supposed to be aimed 
at our zealous men and passionate meetings. At the 
new church his preaching was still more exceptiona- 
ble to those judicious persons who heard him. I ex- 
pect some things will be retailed to my disadvantage. 
Be it so — I trust the Lord. 

Oonn.] Asbury in Connecticut— A Close Observer. 

Saturday, yune 4. I rode over rocks and hills, and 
came to Wilton, and preached to a serious, feeling, 
well-behaved people at Squire R.'s. In the even- 
ing I went on to Reading. Surely God will work 
powerfully among these people, and save thousands 
of them. This country is very hilly and open — not 
unlike that about the Peak of Derbyshire. I feel faith 
to believe that this visit to New England will be 
blessed to my own soul and the souls of others. We 
are now in Connecticut, and never out of sight of a 
house ; and sometimes we have a view of many 
churches and steeples, built very neatly of wood, 
either for use, ornament, piety, policy, or interest — 
or it may be some of all these. There may have been 
a praying ministry .and people here, but I fear they 



I 79 1 -] Bishop Asbitry Illustrated. 255 

are now spiritually dead, and am persuaded that fam- 
ily and private prayer is very little practiced. Could 
these people be brought to constant, fervent prayer, 
the Lord would come down and work wonderfully 
among them. I find my mind fixed on God and the 
work of God. 

His Eeception at Stratford. 

Tuesday, 7. We came to Stratford. Good news — 
they have voted that the town-house shall be shut. 
Well, where shall we preach ? Some of the selectmen 
— one at least — granted access. I felt unwilling to 
go, as it is always my way not to push myself into any 
public house. We had close work on Isa. lv, 6, 7 ; 
some smiled, some laughed, some swore, some 
talked, some prayed, some wept. Had it been a house 
of our own, I should not have been surprised had the 
windows been broken. I refused to preach there any 
more, and it was well I did, for two of the esquires 
were quite displeased at our admittance. We met the 
class, and found some gracious souls. The Methodists 
have a society consisting of twenty members, some 
of them converted, but they have no house of wor- 
ship. They may now make a benefit of a calamity — 
being denied the use of other houses, they will the 
more earnestly labor to get one of their own. The 
Presbyterians and the Episcopalians have each one, 
and both are elegant buildings. 

Eeception at New Haven, 

Thursday, 9. Came to New Haven, and found my 
appointment to preach had been published in the 
newspapers. Every thing was quiet. We called on 



256 Character and Career of [ 1 79 1 . 

the sheriff, but he was absent. We then put up our 
horses at the Ball tavern, near the college yard. I 
was weary and unwell. I had the honor of the 
President S., Dr. W., and the Rev. Mr. E., to 
hear me, and several of the collegians, with a few 
scattering citizens. I talked away to them very fast, 
telling them some little stories, while the sun shone 
full in my face. The judges looked very grave while 
I endeavored to show: 1. What we must be saved 
from ; 2. What has been esteemed by the men of the 
world as the wisdom of preaching ; 3. What is meant 
by the foolishness of preaching. When I had done, 
no man spoke to me. I thought to-day of dear Mr. 
Whitefield's words to Mr. Boardman and Mr. Pilmoor 
at their first coming over to America. " Ah ! " said 
he, " if ye were Calvinists ye would take the country 
before ye." We visited the college chapel at the 
hour of prayer. I wished to go through the whole, 
to inspect the interior arrangements, but no one in- 
vited me. The divines were grave, and the students 
were attentive ; they used me like a fellow-Christian, 
in coming to hear me preach, and like a stranger in 
other respects. Should Cokesbury or Baltimore ever 
furnish the opportunity, I, in my turn, will requite 
their behavior by treating them as friends, brethren, 
and gentlemen. The difficulty I met with in New 
Haven for lodging, and for a place to hold meeting, 
made me feel and know the worth of Methodists more 
than ever. 

Favored by the Standing Order at Middletown. 

Lord's Day ', 12. Came in haste to Middletown, where 
the committee favored me with the meeting-house 



1 791.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 257 

belonging to the standing order. I felt exceedingly 
low in body while I spoke to a large, serious, and at- 
tentive congregation, and I had liberty in preaching 
on 1 John iii, 23. After meeting we rode a mile out 
of town to get lodging. It was to the poorer classes 
of people that this preaching on love and charity was 
anciently blessed. 

New London. 

Tuesday, 14. New London stands upon the River 
Thames — almost newly built since the war. This 
town suffered in the general burning carried on by 
Arnold in this quarter. The new meeting-house stands 
on an eminence ; the Episcopal church is a pleasant, 
well-formed building. The New- Light Baptists were 
very kind, and some of them appeared like Methodists. 
My church was the court-house — my subject 2 Pet. 
iii, 15. I was not happy in speaking. Brother L. gave 
them a sermon at half past eight o'clock. I under- 
stood there was a work of religion in this place last 
year ; little of it now remains. I came to Stoning- 
ton, properly so called, a distance of ten miles, over a 
most dreadful road for a carriage. I would almost as 
soon undertake to drive over the Alleghany mountain. 
From Stonington I came on to Westerly, crossing the 
line-bridge between Connecticut and Rhode Island. 
I dropped a few words to the woman of the house 
where we dined, and saw very clearly that she felt 
them. I had some life in speaking to about one 

hundred people, at Mr. 's, in Charlestown, on 

Rev. iii, 20. One said I had fitted the people well ; 
another said that I had the signs of the times. 

17 



258 Character and Cai r eer of [ l 79 l - 

E, L] Churches and Keligion at Newport. 

Thursday, 16. Came to Newport. The roads were 
comparatively good ; the ferry three miles wide, 
which, however, we safely crossed in a spacious open 
boat, excellent in its kind. In Newport are two 
Presbyterian meeting-houses — one, New-Divinity, so 
called ; three others, regular Baptists, New-Lights, 
and Sabbatarians ; one Friends' meeting, and one 
Episcopal church. We stayed two nights at our 
friend's, Brother Green, a New-Light Baptist. I lect- 
ured the second night from Isaiah lxiv, 1-7 ; there 
was some life among the people, although it was late, 
and the congregation like our Lord's disciples before 
his passion. There is also a Jew's synagogue and a 
Moravian chapel. I expect before many years the 
Methodists will also have a house for worship here. 

Providence in 1791. 

Sunday, 19. Came to Providence. I attended the 
ministry of Mr. M., a Baptist, in the forenoon, and 
Mr. S., a New-Light, in the afternoon. In the 
evening I preached with some life on Isaiah lxi, 1-3. 
There are Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Indepen- 
dents or Congregationalists, here, but the Baptists 
appear to be the leading, people. I found a few 
gracious souls, and some seeking. 

Mr. Snow— Tennent and Whitefield. 

Monday, 20. I visited some serious families that 
truly love and fear God. The afternoon I spent very 
agreeably with the old prophet Mr. Snow, aged about 
seventy years. He was awakened by the instrumen- 



1 79 1.] Bishop As bury Illustrated. 259 

tality of Gilbert Tennent, whose memory I revere. 
He told me much about Mr. Whitefield, and old 
times, and of the ministers of old times — of himself, 
his awakening, and conversion to God — of his riding 
thirty miles to Newport, in exceeding cold weather, 
to bring Mr. Tennent to Providence. 

Mass.] Boston in 1791. 

Thursday, 23. We rode through dust and heat to 
Boston. I felt much pressed in spirit, as if the door 
was not open. As it was court-time, we were put to 
some difficulty in getting entertainment. It was ap- 
pointed for me to preach at Murray's church — not at 
all pleasing to me ; and that which made it worse 
was, that I had only about twenty or thirty people to 
preach to in a large house. It appeared to me that 
those who professed friendship for us were ashamed 
to publish us. On Friday evening I preached again. 
My congregation was somewhat larger, owing, per- 
haps, to the loudness of my voice, for the sinners were 
noisy in the streets. My subject was Rev. hi, 17, 18. 
I was disturbed, and not at liberty, although I sought 
it. I have done with Boston until we can obtain a 
lodging, a house to preach in, and some to join us. 
Some things here are to be admired in the place and 
among the people — their bridges are great works, 
and none are ashamed of labor. Of their hospitality 
I cannot boast. In Charlestown, wicked Charles- 
town, six years ago, a stranger, I was kindly invited 
to eat and drink by many — here by none. 

Lynn the Perfection of Beauty, 
I preached at Slade's tavern, on my way to Lynn, 
on " If our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are 



260 Character and Career of \M9 l * 

lost." I was agreeably surprised to find a house 
raised for the Methodists. As a town I think Lynn 
the perfection of beauty : it is seated on a plain, 
under a range of craggy hills, and open to the sea. 
There is a promising society — an exceedingly well- 
behaved congregation. These things, doubtless, made 
all pleasing to me. My first subject was Rom. 
viii, 33, in the afternoon Acts iv, 12. Here we shall 
make a firm stand, and from this central point shall 
the light of Methodism and of truth radiate through 
the State. Our Brother Johnson is simple-hearted, 
and hearty in the cause. We owe our entertainment 
and house for worship chiefly to him. 

Sympathy for the Inhabitants of Marblehead. 
Tuesday, 28. Rode to Marblehead. When I en- 
tered this town my heart was more melted toward 
its inhabitants than to any in those parts, with the 
exception of Lynn. After consultation, and some 
altercation among themselves, the committee invited 
me to preach in Mr. Story's meeting-house, which I 
did accordingly at four o'clock on Acts xxvi, 17, 18. 
I was led to speak alarmingly, while I pointed out 
the Gospel as descriptive of their misery and need of 
mercy. Brother Lee preached in the evening to a 
great number of people in and about Mr. Martin's 
house. Next morning, weak as I was, I could not 
forbear speaking to them on " Seek ye first the 
kingdom of God/' 

Visits Salem. 
Wednesday, 29. Rode to Salem. Here are five 
meeting-houses, two of them on the New-Divinity 
plan — that is, regeneration the first work, no prayer, 



I 79 1 -] Bishop Asbury Illustrated, 261 

repentance, or faith until this is accomplished ; the 
other three belong to the Establishment, one Episco- 
palian and one Friends' meeting-house. I found no 
access to any. I lectured in the court-house on 
Rom. v, 6-9. I looked upon the greater part of my 
congregation as judges, and I talked until they, be- 
coming weary, began to leave me. 

An Annual General Conference Proposed. 
Thursday, July 7. This day Brother Jesse Lee put 
a paper into my hand, proposing the election of not 
less than two nor more than four preachers from 
each conference, to form a general conference in 
Baltimore, in December, 1792, to be continued 
annually. 

Oonn.1 A Characteristic of the People. 

Friday, 22. The Episcopal Church was opened at 
Litchfield, where I preached, with very little faith, 
on the love of Christ. I think Morse's account of 
his countrymen is near the truth. Never have I 
seen any people who talk so long, so correctly, and 
so seriously about trifles. 

N. TJ " See if the Methodists do not Work their Way." 

Friday, 29. Came to Albany. My mind felt im- 
pressed with the value of the souls in this place. By 
the curves Ihave made in my course from Hartford 
to this place, I suppose I have not traveled less than 
one hundred and fifty miles. Perpetual motion is no 
small trial to my body and mind, but I must cast my 
care upon the Lord. I am led to think the eastern 
Church will find this saying hold true of the Meth- 
odists, namely, " I will provoke you to jealousy by a 



262 Character and Career of [I79 1 - 

people that were no people ; and by a foolish nation 
will I anger you." They have trodden upon the 
Quakers, the Episcopalians, the Baptists — see now 
if tjae Methodists do not work their way. The people 
will not pay large money for religion if they can get 
it cheaper. 

I preached to about three hundred in a barn at 
Coeyman's Patent, the new stone church not being 
ready. Our society is promising in this place. 

A Constant Walk with God, 

Wednesday, August* 3. The day was unusually 
warm, and I was sick. I was ready to faint in my 
carriage. At last, through mercy, I arrived safe at 
kind Sister L.'s. I went to bed, took some chicken 
broth, and after a comfortable sleep felt revived. No 
more rest ; I took the road again, and arrived at 
Rhinebeck by noon. My soul is in peace. I want 
more prayer, patience, life, and love. I walk daily, 
hourly, and sometimes minutely, with God. 

Nature's Carpet and Umbrella. 
Sunday, 7. We received the sacrament, and then 
went to a small grove, where we had a green carpet 
of nature's spreading underneath and an umbrella of 
variegated leaves above us. I preached on Zech. 
xii, 10, to about a thousand or twelve hundred people, 
as it was judged. I had some faith to believe it would 
b6 the beginning of days, and of a revival of religion. 

Conn.] Asbury in Salisbury and Sharon. 

Preached at Salisbury on Acts v, 31, 32. My 
mind is in peace. I came to Sharon time enough to 
preach at three o'clock. The women crowded the 



I 79 1 -] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 263 

house, while the men stood at the door with patient 
attention, in the rain, which indeed many seemed 
scarcely to perceive. I spoke with life and freedom 
on Ephes. ii, 8-10. Here are some praying souls. I 
read, much to my comfort, Corbit's Memoirs of the 
Secrets of his Heart, brought to public view after his 
death. 

U. Y.J "All for God, and Christ, and Souk" 

Friday, 12. I preached at B.'s, on Luke xix, 10, to 
a number of simple-hearted people. Rode to Brother 
J.'s to attend quarterly meeting. I felt weak and 
unwell, yet happy in God. My soul enters into deep- 
er union with God, and into sweet resignation and 
confidence in him for his work and Church. I judge 
that my journey to Lynn, and my rides through the 
country thereabouts, have made a distance of but lit- 
tle less than five hundred miles ; thence to Albany 
nearly the same, and from Albany to New York not 
much less, with occasionally very rough roads for a 
carriage. Well, it is all for God, and Christ, and 
souls. I neither covet nor receive any man's silver 
or gold ; food, raiment, and a little rest, is all I 
want. 

Brief Definition of Christian Perfection, 
Wednesday, 17. Felt a good degree of liberty at 
B/s on Col. i, 28. Ours is not the perfection of 
God, of Christ, of angels ; such perfection must be 
ours as excludes evil tempers from the heart, and yet 
supposes us liable to ignorance and error while in 
tenements of clay. As I came along to P.'s I was 
ready to complain of the roughness of the roads, but 
I was suddenly stopped when I beheld a poor Irish- 



264 Character and Career of [ I 79 I « 

woman with a heavy child on her shoulders, and 
without covering for head or feet. She said she was 
from Canada, and thus far had begged her way. Pity 
for her at once stilled all murmur of complaint for 
myself. 

N. J.] Monmouth and Long Branch. 

Monday, September 5. I rode through much rain 
to Monmouth, New Jersey, where I preached to a 
considerable congregation on "The just shall live by 
faith ; but if any man draw back, my soul shall have 
no pleasure in him. ,, There is some stir among the 
people. At Long Branch, within eighteen months, 
as I am informed, nearly fifty souls have professed 
conversion. 

Pa,] Asbury Eejoicing. 

Wednesday \ 28. We rode to Strasburg, thirty miles, 
where I preached at night in a respectable tavern on 
Acts iii, 19. I was very plain, and had some energy 
in preaching, although unwell in body. 

Thence to M. B.'s. Hitherto the Lord hath been 
our helper in spite of sin and Satan. We had a 
good time while I spoke on Zechariah xii, 10. After 
sacrament several bore their testimony for the Lord. 
My soul is much humbled, and brought into close 
communion with God ; yea, I rejoiced greatly to find 
so much religion among the people. We went 
hence to Brother M.'s, where, for two days, we had a 
gracious season. 

Del.] "Not a Moment's Desire of Any Thing but God." 

Came to Wilmington. Alas for poor Wilmington ! 
When will this people open their eyes ? We rode in 



1 



I 79 I «] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 265 

haste thirty miles to D.'s, but the people had met 
three hours before our arrival, and Brother E. had 
preached to them. I preached at the Cross Roads, 
but the minds of the people were so occupied by the 
approaching election that I fear there was little 
room for things of more importance. Finding there 
were no more appointments published for me, I rode, 
through the dust, thirty-two miles to Judge White's. 
O Lord, help me to watch and pray ! I am afraid of 
losing the sweetness I feel. For months past I have 
felt as if in the possession of perfect love ; not a mo- 
ment's desire of any thing but God. After attending 
a quarterly meeting at B.'s chapel I came to W.'s. 
We had a large congregation. After public service 
we had a meeting for the local preachers, leaders, 
and stewards. Next morning we had love feast for 
the colored brethren at sunrise, and at nine o'clock 
for the whites. We find new members are added 
every year ; many living experiences and miracles 
of grace in this society. 

Md.] Asbury Begging Money for Cokesbnry. 

Monday, December 5. I went from house to house, 
through the snow and cold, begging money for the 
support of the poor orphans at Cokesbury. Rode to 
Annapolis and preached at night. 

Va.] Crossing the Potomac 

Wednesday, 7. A day to be remembered. We 
stopped once in forty-three miles. When we reached 
Oxen Hill Ferry, opposite to Alexandria, I was 
nearly frozen, being hardly able to walk or talk. We 
crossed the Potomac in an open boat, on whose icy 
bottom the horses with difficulty kept their feet, and 



266 Character and Career of [ r 79 2 - 

still worse it would have been had I not thought- 
fully called for straw to strew beneath them. We 
had five of them on board, and the waves were high. 
Norfolk and Portsmouth. 

Sunday, Jamcary I, 1792. On this beginning of 
the new year I preached and had liberty on Isaiah 
lxv, 1, 2. In the evening I once more cried to the 
people of Norfolk, " Repent, and be converted." My 
audience was attentive and tender. My body was 
greatly fatigued, my soul much comforted in the 
Lord. Religion revives here ; the seed which has 
been sowing for twenty years begins to spring up. 
Norfolk flourishes ; Portsmouth declines, and is al- 
ready low. 
U, 0.] Asbnry's Koute through North Carolina. 

Friday, 27. After riding thirty miles through ice 
and snow to Rainey's, I found many people waiting 
for me, and I began, without any refreshment, to 
speak on " This is the victory that overcometh the 
world, even our faith." In our route through North 
Carolina we passed through Bertie, Gates, Tyrrel, 
Tarborough, Franklin, Wake, Chatham, Orange, 
Guilford, and Randolph counties. We have traveled 
nearly eight hundred miles since the 7 th of December 
last past. Seldom have I been tempted to a mur- 
muring thought. It is now the 29//Z of yanuary. I 
want nothing but more mental and private prayer. 

Tuesday, 31. Yesterday and to-day we have ridden 
about *sixty miles, a great deal of the way through 
heavy hail and rain. I gave an exhortation at C.'s 
on seeking the kingdom of God. Here we had all 
things richly to supply our wants ; and what was still 
better, we found the Lord had souls in his family. 



1 79 2 -] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 267 

S, 0.] Mr, Hammett's Objections. 

Saturday, February 11. Arrived in Charleston. I 
received a full and true account of Mr. Hammett's 
proceedings. Brothers E. and P. have done all 
things well. Mr. Hammett had three grand objec- 
tions to us : 1. The American preachers and people 
insulted him. 2. His name was not printed in our 
Minutes. 3. The nota bene cautioning minute was 
directed against him. We were considered by him 
as seceders from Methodism ! — because we do not 
wear gowns and powder, and because we did not pay 
sufficient respect to Mr. Wesley ! 

Conference at Charleston. 

Tuesday, 14. Our conference began. I preached 
at night on Luke xxiv, 17, and endeavored to show the 
low estate of the interests of Christ at that time. In 
our conference we were unusually close in examina- 
tion of characters, doctrines, and experience. We 
had great peace and some power among us, and re- 
ceived the good news of eighty souls being converted 
in Philadelphia. I preached a sermon to the preach- 
ers on " Endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus 
Christ" 
6a.] Georgia Conference— Searching and Sifting. 

Tuesday, 28. We rode through the snow to Little 
River, and a few people met us at S.'s. I preached 
on 2 Tim. iv, 2-4. Without staying to eat we rode 
on to Washington, making thirty miles this day also. 
We collected our conference, and had great searching 
and sifting, and were under the necessity of suspend- 
ing one ; we were very close in examining characters 
and principles. Each preacher spoke his experience, 
and made his observations relative to the work of 



268 Character and Career of [ l 79 2 - 

God since last conference. Brother Hull accom- 
panies me, and H. Herbert repairs to Alexandria, in 
Virginia. I hope in future there will be harmony 
among the brethren. If souls are converted to God 
it answers no valuable purpose thereafter to disciple 
them to ourselves. I preached on the marriage sup- 
per, and -took occasion to show how some are kept 
from, and others lose, the grace of God by the un- 
lawful use of lawful things. 

S. 0.] A Day's Eide of Fifty Miles. 

Monday \ March 5. I left Georgia, and lodged near 
Whitehall, in South Carolina. 

Tuesday, 6. Rode fifty miles to Brother Finch's. 
Here the brethren gave me a meeting on Wednesday. 
The congregation was small, and the people unen- 
gaged. Rode that evening to Odle's, and the next 
day to Watter's. 

H. 0.] Antinomianism in Doctrine and Practice. 

Monday, 19. Our horses' backs being bruised, we 
had our difficulties in getting to Rehoboth. We were 
well-nigh cast away in going to the Widow W/s. It 
was very dark, and we were bewildered in the woods. 
My saddle turned, and I slipped from my horse, but 
received no harm. I had to walk nearly half a mile 
through mud and water to reach the house. 

Tuesday, 20. I came to Gordon's, on the Yadkin. 
It is seven years since I was here — dead ! dead ! 
The world — the devil — Antinomianism in doctrine 
and practice. I was led out in preaching on Deut 
xxxiii, 29. 



I 79 2 -] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 269 

VaJ Crossing Streams. 

Thursday, 22. We made an early start for friend 
Osborne's, on New River, fifteen miles distant. Here 
we were generously entertained. After talking and 
praying together we were guided across the river, for 
which I was thankful. Arriving at Fox Creek we 
crossed it eleven times, and tarried that night with 
C, a nominal member of the Society of Friends, who 
used us very well. 

Friday, 23. Rode twelve miles to S.'s. After din- 
ner, exhortation, and prayer, we came down the south 
fork, and crossed the middle fork of Holstein River. 

Term.] Indian Depredations. 

Thursday, 29. Rode twenty miles to Mr. Y.'s, on 
the main Holstein, and the next day eighteen miles 
to Hawkins court-house, and thence to Crabb's. We 
have confused accounts of Indians. Our guard 
rested on the Sabbath day within four miles of the 
wilderness. 

Saturday, 31. I heard a company had arrived from 
Kentucky at Crabb's. This mans son and a Mr. 
Henderson have been killed by the Indians since I 
was here last. 

KyJ A Wakeful, Watchful Night 

Monday, April 30. Came to L.'s. An alarm was 
spreading of a depredation committed by the Indians 
on the east and west frontiers of the settlement. In 
the former, report says, one man was killed. In the 
latter, many men, with women and children. ' Every 
thing is in motion. There having been so many 
about me at conference my rest was much broken. 
I hoped now to repair it, and get refreshed before I 



270 Character and Career of [ x 792. 

set out to return through the wilderness ; but the 
continual arrival of people until midnight, the barking 
of dogs, and other annoyances, prevented. Next 
night we reached the Crab Orchard, where thirty or 
forty people were compelled to crowd into one mean 
house. We could get no more rest here than we did 
in the wilderness. We came the old way by Scragg's 
Creek and Rock Castle, supposing it to be safer, as 
it was a road less frequented, and therefore less liable 
to be waylaid by the savages. My body by this time 
is well tried. I had a violent fever and pain in the 
head, such as I had not lately felt. I stretched 
myself on the cold ground, and borrowing clothes to 
keep me warm, by the mercy of God I slept four or 
five hours. Next morning we set off early, and 
passed beyond Richland Creek. Here we were in 
danger, if anywhere. I could have slept, but was 
afraid. Seeing the drowsiness of the company, I 
walked the encampment, and watched the sentries 
the whole night. Early next morning we made our 
way to Robinson's station. We had the best com- 
pany I ever met with — thirty-six good travelers, and 
a few warriors ; but we had a pack-horse, some old 
men, and two tired horses — these were not the best 
part. 

VaJ "Best, Poor House of Clay." 

Saturday, May 5. Through infinite mercy we came 
safe to Crabb's. Rest, poor house of clay, from such 
exertions ! Return, O my soul, to thy rest ! 

Monday, 7. I came to Young's, a comfortable, quiet 
house, within six miles of Ratcliffe's, whose wife and 
children were murdered by the Indians. Here I 
slept comfortably. 



J 79 2 -] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 271 

"Hail, Happy Death!" 

Friday ■, 26. We rode twenty-six miles to the Little 
Levels. O what a solitary country is this ! We 
have now one hundred and twenty miles before us, 
fifty of which is a wilderness. There is a guard at 
two houses on our route, but I do not fear. Nature 
is spent with labor. I would not live always. Hail, 
happy death ! Nothing but holiness, perfect love, and 
then glory for me ! 

PaJ A Pleasant Change. 

Thursday, 31. Both men and horses traveled sore 
and wearily to Uniontown. O how good are clean 
houses, plentiful tables, and populous villages, when 
compared with the rough world we came through ! 
Here I turned out our poor horses to pasture and to 
rest, after riding them nearly three hundred miles in 
eight days. 

Friday, June 1. Wrote letters to send over the 
mountains. 

Saturday, 2. I began to feel lame, and had a severe 
touch of the rheumatism, accompanied with a high 
fever, which occasioned great pain to me while sit- 
ting in conference. I found it necessary to remove, 
by exchange, six of the preachers from this to the 
eastern district. 

A Seminary Founded at Uniontown. 

Sunday, 10. We have founded a seminary of learning 
called Union School. Brother C. Conway is manager, 
who also has charge of the district. This establish- 
ment is designed for instruction in grammar, lan- 
guages, and the sciences. 



2*] 2 Character and Career of [ x 79 2 - 

McL] Peace and Holiness. 

Saturday, 16. I preached at Fort Cumberland, in 
our new house, to many people. Dined with Mr. D., 
at whose house I was entertained the first time I vis- 
ited this town. O that each of the family may be 
everlastingly saved ! My body is in better health, 
and my soul in great peace. I feel no wrong temper. 

that my whole heart might be running out in holi- 
ness after God! 

Va.] Mr. Hammett and Thomas Morrell, 

Saturday, 23. I attended quarterly meeting at the 
Widow Flint's. Here I had the first sight of Mr. 
Hammett's and Brother Thomas. Morrell's attacks on 
each other — or rather Mr. Hammett's against the 
Methodists, and Brother Morrell's reply. Had Brother 
M. known more he would have replied better. Mr. 
H.'s quotation of a clause in my confidential letter to 

Brother S d is not altogether just. He has also 

misquoted the caution, leaving out the word " Dis- 
trict," which, when retained, shows it to have been 
American, and to have been directed against American 
apostates and impostors. 

Pa.] "Our Old New Church." 

Friday, July 6. We had a long ride to Morgan- 
town. We came in at eleven o'clock, being much 
fatigued. I discoursed on the likeness between 
Moses and Christ. 

We set out for Coventry Forge, but missed our 
way and came to Brother Meredic's, in the valley. 

1 prayed heartily for, and spoke plainly to, the young 



x 79 2 -] Bishop Asbiuy Illustrated. 273 

people. O that the Lord would follow them power- 
fully ! 

Sunday, 8. I preached at Ebenezer church on 
James iv, 8, and at St. George's church on Mark 
viii, 38. I had large accounts from the eastward, and 
am requested to send them more preachers. After 
twenty years' standing of the house in our hands the 
galleries are put up in our old new church. 

F. J.] "Some Too Wise." 

Thursday, 12. Rode through great heat and dust 
to Burlington, New Jersey. Here I had many of my 
old and some new hearers, but some are much wiser 
than they were twenty years ago. We had a cold 
time of it while I spoke on Heb. iv, 7. 

N. T.] Astmry's Early Tears. 

Sunday, 15. Preached at our new church on 
Staten" Island. I was very close on the law and the 
Gospel. A few felt, but it was a dry time. Lord, 
help us ! 

Monday, 16. We hasted to V.'s ferry, but found 
ourselves detained by the absence of both boats, so 
that we did not so soon as we expected reach New 
York. I did not find that life and harmony here that 
there have been in times past. I have just now ob- 
tained and am reading Mr. Wesley's Life, the work 
of Dr. Coke and Mr. Moore, containing five hundred 
and forty-two pages. It is in general well compiled, 
but the history of American Methodism is inaccurate 
in some of its details, and in some which are in- 
teresting. For some days past I have been occupied 

18 



274 Character and Career of [ l 79 2 - 

in reading, and in meeting the several women's 
classes, and found the Lord was among them. 

As very probably all my life which I shall be able 
to write will be found in my journal, it will not be im- 
proper to relate something of my earlier years, and to 
give a brief account of my first labors in the ministry. 

I was born in Old England, near the foot of 
Hampstead Bridge in the parish of Handsworth, 
about four miles from Birmingham, in Staffordshire, 
and according to the best of my after-knowledge, on 
the 20th or 21st day of August, in the year of our 
Lord 1745. 

My fathers name was Joseph, and my mothers 
Elizabeth Asbury. They were people in common life, 
were remarkable for honesty and industry, and had 
all things needful to enjoy. Had my father been as 
saving as laborious he might have been wealthy. As 
it was, it was his province to be employed as a farmer 
and gardener by the two richest families in the parish. 
My parents had but two children — a daughter, called 
Sarah, and myself. My lovely sister died in infancy. 
She was a favorite, and my dear mother, being very 
affectionate, sunk into deep distress at the loss of a 
darling child, from which she was not relieved for 
many years. It was under this dispensation that 
God was pleased to open the eyes of her mind, she 
living in a very dark, dark, dark day and place. She 
now began to read almost constantly when leisure 
presented the opportunity. When a child, I thought 
it strange my mother should stand by a large window 
poring over a book for hours together. From my 
childhood, I may say, I have neither. 

" Dared an oath, nor hazarded a lie," 



I 792.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 275 

The love of truth is not natural, but the habit of tell- 
ing it I acquired very early ; and so well was I taught, 
that my conscience would never permit me to swear 
profanely. I learned from my parents a certain form 
of words for prayer, and I well remember my mother 
strongly urged my father to family reading and 
prayer. The singing of psalms was much practiced 
by them both. My foible was the ordinary foible of 
children — fondness for play ; but I abhorred mischief 
and wickedness, although my mates were among the 
vilest of the vile for lying, swearing, fighting, and 
whatever else boys of their age and evil habits were 
likely to be guilty of. From such society I very 
often returned home uneasy and melancholy ; and, 
although driven away by my better principles, still I 
would return, hoping to find happiness where I never 
found it. Sometimes I was much ridiculed, and 
called Methodist Parson, because my mother invited 
any people who had the appearance of religion to her 
house. 

I was sent to school early, and began to read the 
Bible between six and seven years of age, and greatly 
delighted in the historical part of it. My school- 
master was a great churl, and used to beat me 
cruelly. This drove me to prayer, and it appeared 
to me that God was near to me. My father having 
but the one son, greatly desired to keep me at school, 
he cared not how long ; but in this design he was dis- 
appointed, for my master, by his severity, had filled 
me with such horrible dread, that with me any thing 
was preferable to going to school. I lived some time 
in one of the wealthiest and most ungodly families 
we had in the parish. Here I became vain, but not 



276 Character and Career of [1792. 

openly wicked. Some months after this I returned 
home and made my choice, when about thirteen 
years and a half old, to learn a branch of business at 
which I wrought about six years and a half. During 
this time I enjoyed great liberty, and in the family 
was treated more like a son or an equal than an 
apprentice. 

Soon after I entered on that business God sent 
a pious man, not a Methodist, into our neighborhood, 
and my mother invited him to our house. By his 
conversation and prayers I was awakened before I 
was fourteen years of age. It was now easy and 
pleasing to leave my company, and I began to pray 
morning and evening, being drawn by the cords of 
love as with the bands of a man. I soon left our 
blind priest and went to West Bromwich church. 
Here I heard Ryland, Stillingfleet, Talbot, Bagnall, 
Mansfield, Hawes, and Venn — great names, and 
esteemed Gospel ministers. I became very serious, 
reading a great deal — Whitefield and Cennick's Ser- 
mons, and every good book I could meet with. It 
was not long before I began to inquire of my mother 
who, where, what were the Methodists. She gave 
me a favorable account, and directed me to a person 
that could take me to Wednesbury to hear them. I 
soon found this was not the Church — but it was 
better. The people were so devout : men and women 
kneeling down, saying Amen. Now, behold ! they 
were singing hymns. Sweet sound ! Why, strange 
to tell ! the preacher had no prayer-book, and yet he 
prayed wonderfully ! What was yet more extraordi- 
nary, the man took his text, and had no sermon-book. 
Thought I, " This is wonderful indeed ! It is cer- 



*79 2 -] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 277 

tainly a strange way, but the best way." He talked 
about confidence, assurance, etc., of which all my 
flights and hopes fell short. I had no deep convic- 
tions, nor had I committed any deep known sins. 
At one sermon, some time after, my companion was 
powerfully wrought on. I was exceedingly grieved 
that I could not weep like him, yet I knew myself to 
be in a state of unbelief. On a certain time, when we 
were praying in my father's barn, I believe the Lord 
pardoned my sins and justified my soul ; but my 
companions reasoned me out of this belief, saying, 
" Mr. Mather said a believer was as happy as if he 
was in heaven." I thought I was not as happy as I 
would be there, and gave up my confidence, and that 
for months ; yet I was happy, free from guilt and 
fear, and had power over sin, and felt great inward 
joy. After this, we met for reading and prayer, and 
had large and good meetings, and were much perse- 
cuted, until the persons at whose houses we held 
them were afraid, and they were discontinued. I 
then held meetings frequently at my father's house, 
exhorting the people there, as also at Sutton Cole- 
field, and several souls professed to find peace 
through my labors. I met class awhile at Bromwich 
Heath, and met in band at Wednesbury. I had 
preached some months before I publicly appeared in 
the Methodist meeting-houses, but when my labors 
became more public and extensive some were amazed, 
not knowing how I had exercised elsewhere.. Behold 
me now a local preacher ! the humble and willing 
servant of any and of every preacher that called on 
me by night or by day — being ready, with hasty 
steps, to go far and wide to do good — visiting Derby- 



278 Character and Career of [ l 792> 

shire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, 
and indeed almost every place within my reach, for 
the sake of precious souls, preaching, generally, 
three, four, and five times a week, and at the same 
time pursuing my calling. I think when I was be- 
tween twenty-one and twenty-two years of age I gave 
myself up to God and his work, after acting as a local 
preacher near the space of five years. It is now the 
19th of July, 1792. I have been laboring for God 
and souls about thirty years or upward. 

Some time after I had obtained a clear witness of 
my acceptance with God, the Lord showed me, in the 
heat of youth and youthful blood, the evil of my 
heart. For a short time I enjoyed, as I thought, the 
pure and perfect love of God, but this happy frame 
did not long continue, although at seasons I was 
greatly blessed. While I was a traveling preacher 
in England I was much tempted, finding myself ex- 
ceedingly ignorant of almost every thing a minister 
of the Gospel ought to know. How I came to 
America, and the events which have happened since, 
my journal will show. 

Conn.] The Poor Have the Gospel Preached to Them, 

Tuesday, 24. Rain to-day. After which we came 
to Reading ; and although it was late, and the even- 
ing damp, I was unwilling to omit the opportunity of 
speaking to the people. Brother Hull, my fellow- 
traveler, went to bed very ill. God has wrought in 
this town ; the spirit of prayer is among the people, 
and several souls have been brought to God. 

Wednesday, 25. We came to Newtown — thence to 
Waterbury. Brother H. is still very ill. Here we were 



l 79 2 -] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 279 

entertained kindly, and at small charges ; the people 
submitted and were attentive to prayer. Thence we 
continued on to Southerington. We dined at a public- 
house, where we had cheap, good, plain usage. Our 
host told us " It was the misfortune of the Meth- 
odists to fall in with some of the most ignorant, poor, 
and disreputable people in the State." My answer 
was. The poor have the Gospel preached to them ; 
that it had been aforetime asked, " Have any of the 
rulers believed on him ? " 



5,] Conference at Lynn. 

We came through Ashford, Pomfret, Mendon, and 
Douglass ; we lodged at a tavern, where the people 
were very obliging and attentive to prayer. Thence 
we rode to Medfield's to dinner ; thence through 
Dover, Newton, Cambridge, Maiden, to Lynn, which 
we reached about midnight, having traveled sixty- 
five miles, my soul, meanwhile, continually filled with 
the goodness of God. 

Thursday, August 2. Our conference met, consist- 
ing of eight preachers, much united, besides myself. 
In Lynn we have the outside of a house completed, 
and what is best of all, several souls profess to be 
converted to God. I preached on 1 John iv, 1-6, 
and had some life, but was too formal. There was 
preaching every night through the sitting of the 
conference. 

Pittsfield With its Grand Meeting-House. 
Wednesday, 8. We came to Belchertown, and 
were kindly entertained at W.'s ; thence we pushed 
on to Hadley, crossed Connecticut River, and stopped 



280 Character and Career of [ l 79 2 - 

at Northampton. Ah ! where is the blessedness of 
which we formerly heard in this place ? I inquired 
of our host, but received little satisfactory informa- 
tion. I proposed prayer, but found it was not well 
received. I went to bed weary and unwell, and about 
half past six o'clock next morning set out again over 
the rocks and uneven roads across the mountain, 
having passed through Worthington, Chesterfield, and 
Partridgefield. I wondered to see the people settled 
here so thickly among the rocks, where the soil can 
only be cultivated by the iron hand of active, laborious 
industry. I should prefer any part of the Alleghany, 
where it is not too rocky, because the land is better. 
We made it forty miles to Pittsfield, and our journey 
was more disagreeable from the falling of a heavy 
shower. We have now ridden about one hundred 
and seventy miles from Lynn in four days. My 
mind has been variously exercised, and my body 
much fatigued. If I have been kept from sin, to the 
Lord's name be all the glory ! Pittsfield is a pleasant 
plain, extending from mountain to mountain"; the 
population may consist of two thousand souls. There 
is a grand meeting-house and steeple, both as white 
and glistening as Solomon's temple. The minister, 
as I learn, is on the New Divinity plan. I heard the 
experience of one of the first settlers in the town, 
who was clearly brought out of bondage ; but by 
resting in unfailing perseverance he again grew cold. 
Of late he has been stirred up and restored by the 
instrumentality of the Methodists. I was pleased to 
enjoy the privilege of retiring alone to the cooling 
sylvan shades in frequent converse with my best 
Friend. 



I79 2 -] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 281 

H. YJ "A Joyful, Happy Conference at Albany." 

Wednesday, 15. Came to Albany, and had a joyful," 
happy conference, twenty-one preachers being pres- 
ent. We constituted two deacons and four elders, 
Each preacher was called upon to speak of his exer- 
cises and observations since our last annual session. 
We examined our doctrines, and whether our faith 
was still firm in those which were believed and 
taught among us. We appointed Jonathan Newman 
as a missionary to the whites and Indians on the 
frontiers. We also sent another to Cataraqui. 

We had preaching in the market-house in Albany, 
and notwithstanding our hurry and crowd we were 
happy, and had living testimonies from preachers and 
people. I trust two hundred have been converted in 
the district since last conference. 

Asbury at Governor Van Oortlandt's, 

Thursday, 23. I breakfasted at Governor Van Cort- 
landt's. I feel as if the Lord had been striving here. 

Saturday, 25. Came to the quarterly meeting at 
New Rochelle. The Lord gave light and liberty in 
speaking. We had a meeting with the local preach- 
ers, stewards, and leaders who were present. Mr. 
Hammett's rejoinder has made its appearance. 
N. Manners has also come to town to spread his 
doctrine and distribute his books. Were he a 
gracious man I cannot think he would write as he 
does against Mr. Wesley and Mr. Fletcher. Perhaps 
he will find it rather easier to write and print books 
than to sell and pay the cost of publishing them. 

Sunday, 26. I preached to a vast congregation, 



282 Character and Career of l l 792- 

with liberty, on I Cor. iii, 15, 16. Many hearts were 
touched, and we had a blessed season at love-feast 
and sacrament. 

Conference in New York—" Happy Poverty," 

Monday, 27. Came to New York and opened con- 
ference, twenty-eight preachers being present. We 
spent most of the afternoon in prayer, and nearly all 
the preachers gave an account of what each had seen 
and felt since last conference. The young gave their 
experience, and several professed sanctification. 

Friday, 31. We had a solemn love- feast, the lower 
floor of the house being nearly filled. Several of the 
brethren professed perfect love ; others had lost the 
witness. 

My mind has been so bent to the business of the 
conference that I have slept but little this week. 
Connecticut is supplied much to my mind, several 
very promising young men having been admitted this 
conference. The societies are in harmony, but not 
as lively as they ought to be. I went to hear Dr. L., 
but was greatly disappointed. He had such a rum- 
bling voice that I could understand but little in that 
great house. How elegant the building ! How 
small the appearances of religion ! Lord, have mercy 
upon the Reformed Churches ! O ye dry bones, heat 
the word of the Lord ! I was much obliged to my 
friends for renewing my clothing and giving me a 
little pocket-money ; this is better than ^500 per 
annum. 
N, J.] An Unkind Act from a Kind Friend, 

Sunday, September 2. We had severe crossing the 
North River ; it was as much as ever the horses could 



I 79 2 -] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 283 

do to keep their feet. We came to Newark, and thence 
to Elizabethtown, in Jersey. I now began to unbend 
my mind, and became very happy. I went up stairs, 
sat in my chair, rested my head, and slept solidly ; 
but a kind friend would have me waked, which made 
me sick. 
Pa.] Philadelphia a Wicked Oity— The Mobility. 

Wednesday, 5. Passed through Crosswicks and 
Burlington, and came to Philadelphia. 

Thursday ,. 6. We had great peace in our confer- 
ence. The preachers gave a feeling account of the 
work of God. We had more preachers than we 
needed this time ; both they and the people were 
lively. Most of our brethren in the ministry can 
now stand the' greatest exertions. 

Sabbath Morning, 9. We had a melting love-feast ; 
the mouths of many were opened to declare the 
loving-kindness of the Lord. I preached, but did 
not like their ill-contrived house. At Ebenezer I 
had an attentive congregation, to whom I spoke on 
Phil, i, 18. At night the mobility came in like the 
roaring of the sea. Boys were around the doors, and 
streets were in an uproar. They had been alarmed by 
a shout the night before, which, probably, was one 
caus.e of the congregation being so large. Brother A. 
went to prayer ; a person cried out. Brother C. 
joined in prayer ; the wicked were collected to op- 
pose. I felt the powers of darkness were very strong. 
After ending my discourse Brother M. rose up and 
mentioned the shocking conduct he had observed 
among them : fighting, swearing, threatening, etc. 
This is a wicked, horribly wicked, city, and if the 
people do not reform I think they will be let loose 



284 Character and Career of [ l 79 2 > 

upon one another, or else God will send the pesti- 
lence among them, and slay them by hundreds and 
thousands. 
Del.] Besting at Home. 

Saturday, 15. Rode to Camden. To Dr. Barrett, 
a true son of a worthy father, we are chiefly indebted 
for a neat, economical meeting-house. I had so many 
friends I knew not where to go. My attendance on 
conferences and quarterly meetings has lately been 
so constant I found it expedient to make a sudden 
change and come home. In my way I stopped at a 
friend's house : the woman had been early a member, 
the man not of us. I pressed family prayer upon her 
from Divine authority ; I saw her tears and heard her 
promises. Came home to T. White's. I resolved on 
the establishment of a prayer-meeting for the women 
before I go hence. 

This day I spent in reading, writing, meditation, 
and prayer. To be retired and solitary is desirable 
after the presence of crowds, and the labors, various 
and unceasing, to which I am called. When our 
Lord was pursued by the people, he, as a man, would 
hide himself. I thought, if my brethren would not 
spare me I must spare myself. 

VaJ A Comfortable Conference and a "Burning Love-feast." 

Thursday, 27. Crossed Pocomoke to L.'s. At Dow- 
ings's at night. Brother Everett was sick. I had a 
large congregation at Garrettson chapel, and was 
much blessed on Rom. viii, 28, 29. I had a comfort- 
able conference with the leaders, stewards, local 
preachers, and exhorters, and we had a living love- 
feast. 



I79 2 -] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 285 

Mi] A Day at Judge White's. 

Monday, October 1. We rode to Choptank, now 
Greensborough, and preached on Ephes. ii, 17, and 
some power went through the house. I had a good 
conference with the local brethren, making close in- 
quiries relative to themselves, their families, and the 
societies to which they respectively belong. 

I stopped a day at Judge White's, and read in 
haste the most essential parts of "Jefferson's Notes." 
I have thought it may be I am safer to be occasion- 
ally among the people of the world, than wholly con- 
fined to the indulgent people of God. He who some- 
times suffers from a famine will the better know how 
to relish a feast. 

Dr. (Joke's Arrival— General Conference. 

Ttiesday, 30. Came to Baltimore in a storm of rain. 
While we were sitting in the room at Mr. Rogers's in 
came Dr. Coke, of whose arrival we had not heard, 
and whom we embraced with great love. 

Thursday \ November 1. I felt awful at the General 
Conference, which began this day. At my desire 
they appointed a moderator and preparatory com- 
mittee, to keep order and to bring forward the busi- 
ness with regularity. We had heavy debates on the 
first, second, and third sections of our form of disci- 
pline. My power to station the preachers without an 
appeal was much debated, but finally carried by a 
very large majority. Perhaps a new bishop, new 
conference, and new laws would have better pleased 
some. I have been much grieved for others, and dis- 
tressed with the burden I bear, and must hereafter 
bear. O my soul, enter into rest ! Ah, who am I, 



286 Character and Career of [ l 79 2 » 

that the burden of the work should lie on my heart, 
hands, and head ? 

Thursday, 8. Having taken cold, and had my rest 
broken, I went to bed to bring on a free perspiration, 
and from this I received relief. My soul breathed unto 
God, and I was exceedingly happy in his love. Some in- 
dividuals among the preachers having their jealousies 
about my influence in the conference, I gave the 
matter wholly up to them, and to Dr. Coke who pre- 
sided. Meantime I sent them the following letter : 

Asbury's Note to the General Conference. 
My Dear Brethren : Let my absence give you 
no pain — Dr. Coke presides. I am happily excused 
from assisting to make laws by which myself am to 
be governed ; I have only to obey and execute. I 
am happy in the consideration that I never stationed 
a preacher through enmity or as a punishment. I 
have acted for the glory of God, the good of the peo- 
ple, and to promote the usefulness of the preachers. 
Are you sure that if you please yourselves the people 
will be as fully satisfied ? They often say, " Let us 
have such a preacher;" and sometimes, "We will 
not have such a preacher ; we will sooner pay him to 
stay at home. ,, Perhaps I must say, " His appeal 
forced him upon you." I am one, ye are many. I 
I am as willing to serve you as ever. I want not to 
sit in any man's way. I scorn to solicit votes. I am 
a very trembling, poor creature to hear praise or dis- 
praise. Speak your minds freely, but remember you 
are only making laws for the present time. It may 
be that as in some other things so in this, a future 
day may give you further light. I am yours, etc., 

Francis Asbury. 



I 79 2 -] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 287 

Mr. O'Kelly Withdraws from the Connection, 
Mr. O' Kelly, being disappointed in not getting an 
appeal from any station made by me, withdrew from 
the connection and went off. For himself, the con- 
ference well knew he could not complain of the regu- 
lation. He had been located to the south district of 
Virginia for about ten succeeding years, and upon his 
plan might have located himself, and any preacher or 
set of preachers, to the district whether the people 
wished to have them or not. 

Va.] Increase of Methodism— Statistics. 

Tuesday, December 11. Rode to H.'s, near Lewis- 
burg. Here I met the preachers in conference, and 
we were closely employed until Saturday morning. 
We had about forty preachers from the two districts 
in North Carolina. Our labors finished, we rode to 
Neuse River. 

Sunday, 16. Preached at Merritt's. 

Monday, 17. Rode fifteen miles to S.'s ; preached 
on Christ, the believer's wisdom, righteousness, sanc- 
tification, and redemption. We had a difficult road 
in going to Haw River, but a kind Providence brought 
us along very well, although the weather was exceed- 
ingly cold. We crossed the stream by fording about 
eight o'clock, and about ten arrived at R.'s, very cold 
and in much pain. I know not why, but so it is, that 
I cannot feel that I hold such sweet communion with 
God in cold weather as in warm. It may be that 

"Nature, being oppressed, 
Commands the mind to suffer with the body." 

The great love and union which prevailed at the 
late conference makes me hope many souls will be 



288 Character and Career of [ 1 792. 

converted in the ensuing year. An account was 
brought in of the conversion of about three hundred 
souls last week within its limits, chiefly in the Low- 
land circuits. Glory be to God ! I feel that he is 
with us, and I have good evidence that fifteen or 
eighteen hundred souls have professed to have been 
converted in the United States within the last twelve 
months. 

S. 0.1 Mr. Hammett and Dr. (Joke. 

Saturday ', 29. Rode thirty-three miles to Charles- 
ton. Found our little flock in peace, and a small 
revival among them. 

Mr. Hammett has raised a grand house, and has 
written an appeal to the British conference. He 
represents Dr. Coke as a sacrilegious tyrant and 
murderer. I have no doubt but the Doctor will be 
able to make good his cause. As to Hammett, time 
will show the man and the people who have made lies 
their refuge. 

Ga.] Asbnry Between Two Fires. 

Friday, January, 25, 1793. I rode fifteen miles to 
my very loving friend's, Brother D. Here my mind 
was exercised with what I heard and felt. Mr. 
Matthews wrote Brother D. he had been taught my 
iniquity, to which Mr. H. (his brother) gave his sanc- 
tion. And why was I thus charged ? Because I did 
not establish Mr. Wesley's absolute authority over the 
American connection. For myself, this I had sub- 
mitted to ; but the Americans were too jealous to 
bind themselves to yield to him in all things relative 
to Church government. Mr. Wesley was a man they 
had never seen — was three thousand miles miles off — 



I 793-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 289 

how might submission in such a case be expected ? 
Brother Coke and myself gave offense to the con- 
nection by enforcing Mr. Wesley's will in some mat- 
ters, for which I do not blame Mr. Wesley. Like 
other great men, he had his elbow friends ; and like 
other people, I had my enemies. 

Euins of Whitefield's Orphan House, 

Tuesday, 29. We reach Savannah. Next day I 
rode twelve miles along a fine sandy road to view the 
ruins of Mr. Whitefield's Orphan House. The wings 
are yet standing, though much injured, and the school- 
house still more. It is reported that Mr. Whitefield 
observed while eating his last dinner in the house, 
" This house was built for God, and cursed be the 
man that puts it to any other use." The land for the 
support of the school is of little value, except two rice 
plantations which we passed in our route. 

Seceders and Eevilers. 

Saturday, February 2. I am not enough in prayer. 

1 have said more than was for the glory of God con- 
cerning those who have left the American connection, 
and who have reviled Mr. Wesley, Mr. Fletcher, Doc- 
tor Coke, and poor me. O that I could trust the 
Lord more than I do, and leave his cause wholly in 
his own hands ! 

S. 0.1 Difficulty in Pinding Entertainment. 

Sunday, 3. Preached at Black Swamp church on 

2 Cor. iii, 9. The subject was pointed, and the peo- 
ple were attentive. 

Monday, ^. I preached at Purisburg to a full house. 

19 



290 Character and Career of [ l 793 

Some of the women appeared to feel the word. We 
had a heavy ride. I was faint and low-spirited at the 
view which I could not fail to take of the state of pro- 
fessors and sinners. I had about fifty hearers, and 
was invited to a friend's house, but thought it best 
to pursue my journey. We came to Salt Ketchers 
bridge, where we stopped to pay our fare ; but O the 
scent of rum, and men filled with it ! How shocking ! 
Who could enter such a house ? I hoped for quiet 
private entertainment at Red Hill, but the gentleman 
refused to receive us for love, money, or hospitality's 
sake. I then sent Brother R. to know if we could 
get in at the next negro quarter. Into the house 
we might be permitted to enter, but we could get 
no corn for our horses, and no bed for ourselves. 
Overseers dare not, and their employers will not, re- 
ceive strangers. They are too proud to sell and too 
covetous to give. At length we providentially reached 
a Mr. C.'s, a school-master and minister. We bought 
some corn for our horses, and had tea and bread and 
cheese for ourselves. I saw some beautiful boys at 
this house. Had these children the opportunity of a 
northern education, what choice young men they 
might make ! I was happy in the house, and pleased 
with two poor blacks who were much moved under 
prayer. Next morning I set out about six o'clock, 
and passing the Fishpond we came on slowly to 
Parker's Ferry. I found my appointment to meet 
Brother Jackson was not properly made, and as it 
was out of my way I made a sudden turn to G.'s, on 

Edisto River. After dinner I met with , who 

offered to be our guide ; but when I began to show 
him his folly and the dangerous state of his soul, he 



I 793-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 291 

soon left us, and we had to beat our way through the 
swamps as well as we could. He said he had killed a 
negro worth sixty pounds and a valuable horse with 
racing. Pushing on, we found our way to the ferry, 
and crossed about eight o'clock. 

Membership in the United States Fifty Thousand, 

Tuesday, 12. I make it my work to visit every 
afternoon. I happily met with Mr. Wesley's Journal, 
bringing the date down to two years before his death. 
I could not but specially notice that his latter days 
were more abundant in labors ; and that he preached 
in places formerly unnoticed. He made this observa- 
tion, (so fixed on my mind,) that it is rare — a mere 
miracle — for a Methodist to increase in wealth and 
not decrease in grace. I have now read the third 
volume of Gordon's History, Burnham's Select Mar- 
tyrology, and Memoirs of Dying Saints. We have 
two hundred and seventeen traveling preachers and 
about fifty thousand members in the United States. 
Glory to God in the highest ! 

N . YJ Eestless Men—Asbury's Spirit. 

Sunday, March 24. I preached on 1 Cor. xiv, 3. 
There was a noise and shaking each day. Some 
were awakened, one professed to be converted, and 
several to be quickened. The meeting lasted from 
nine A. M. to four o'clock P. M. " While he was 
yet speaking there came also another." I heard 
there was a conference appointed at Reese's chapel, 
in Charlotte county, Virginia, to form what they call 
a free constitution and a pure Church, and to reject 
me and my creatures. I know not whose hand is 



292 Character and Career of [ l 793- 

in this. I hope they will call themselves by another 
name. Only let them settle in congregations and 
tax the people, and I know how it will work. If we 
(itinerant connection) would give the government into 
the hands of a local ministry, as some would have it, 
and tax the people to pay preachers for Sabbath 
work, this would please such men ; but this we dare 
not do. Whenever the people are unwilling to re- 
ceive us, and think they can do better, we will quietly 
withdraw from them, and if those who wish the 
change can serve them better than we have done, 

well. Perhaps some of them may think with , in 

Georgia, that I am the greatest villain on the conti- 
nent. I bid such adieu, and appeal to the bar of 
God. I have no time to contend, having better work 
to do. If we lose some children God will give us 
more. Ah ! this is the mercy, the justice, of some 
who, under God, owe their all to me and my tyrants, 
so called. The Lord judge between them and me! 
There appears to be a general quickening in the 
Yadkin circuit, and about eight souls have professed 
conversion there in the last three months. 

A Journey Over the Mountains. 

Wednesday, 27. We began our journey over the 
great ridge of mountains. We had not gone far before 
we saw and felt the snow, and the sharpness of the 
air gave me a deep cold, not unlike an influenza. We 
came to the head of Watauga River. Stopped at 
Mr. S.'s, and had some enlargement on " The promise 
is to you and to your children," etc. My soul felt for 
these neglected people. It may be, by my coming 
this wav, Providence will so order it that I shall send 



1 793-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 293 

them a preacher. We hasted on to Coves Creek, in- 
vited ourselves to stay at C.'s, where we made our 
own tea, obtained some butter and milk and some 
most excellent Irish potatoes. We were presented 
with a little flax for our beds, on which we spread 
our coats and blankets, and three of us slept before a 
large fire. 

Tliicrs day, 28. We made an early start, and came 
to the Beaver Dam. Three years ago we slept here 
in a cabin without a cover. We made a breakfast at 
Mr. W.'s, and then attempted the iron or stone 
mountain, which is steep, like the roof of a house. I 
found it difficult and trying to my lungs to walk up it. 
Upon descending the mountain we had to jump 
down the steep stairs, from two to three and four 
feet. At the foot of this mountain our guide left us 
to a man on foot, who soon declined, and we made the 
best of our way to Dugger's ford, on Roan's Creek. 
We came down the river, where there are plenty of 
large, round, rolling stones, and the stream was rapid. 
My horse began to grow dull ; an intermittent fever 
and a deep cold disordered me much. I was under 
obligations to Henry Hill, my new aid, who was 
ready to do any thing for me in his power. Perhaps 
Providence moved him to offer to travel with me, 
and his father to recommend him. Twenty years 
ago a rude open loft did not affect me ; now it 
seldom fails to injure me. 

Tenul Eespect of Presbyterians for Ministers. 

Friday, 29. We took our journey deliberately. We 
passed Doe River at the fork, and came through the 
Gap ; a most gloomy scene — not unlike the Shades 
of Death in the Alleghany mountain. Mr. L., a kind 



294 Character and Career of [ x 793- 

Presbyterian, fed our horses gratis. I must give the 
Presbyterians the preference for respect to ministers. 

Ey,] "None Heed Desire to be an American Bishop," 

Saturday y April 13. We rode thirty-three miles 
down to a quarterly meeting at Humphries chapel. 
Here my presence surprised the brethren. The 
state of the work here appears to be low. I had 
some light, life, and liberty in preaching, and some 
felt the word. We closed our meeting after several 
had joined in prayer. Lord, remember the labors of 
this day ! Let not thy faithful word fall to the 
ground ! From the quarterly meeting we came to 
Colonel Harding's. He has been gone some time, 
as a commissioner, to treat with the Indians. If he 
is dead, here is a widow and six children left. I 
cannot yet give him up for lost. We had a large 
congregation at W.'s, where I was led out on Psa. 
xxxiv, 17-20. I cannot stand quarterly meetings 
every day. None need desire to be an American 
bishop, upon our plan, for the ease, honor, or interest 
that attends the office. From my present views and 
feelings I am led to wish the conference would elect 
another bishop, which might afford me some help. 

The Discipline Bead Through in Conference. 

Monday \ 29. Rode through the rain to Lexington. 
I stopped at C. White's once more. O that God 
may help him safe to glory ! Came to Brother Mor- 
gan's. I felt awful and solemn, and some dejection 
of mind. Ah ! want of religion is too visible in most 
houses. 

Tuesday, 30, Wednesday \ May 1, Thursday, 2, we 



1 793-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 295 

spent in conference, and in openly speaking our 
minds to each other. We ended under the melting, 
praying, praising power of God. We appointed 
trustees for the school, and made sundry regulations 
relative thereto. We read the Form of Discipline 
through, section by section, in conference. 

Another Journey through the Wilderness. 
Tuesday, 7. We rode down to the Crab Orchard, 
where we found company enough, some of whom 
. were very wild. We had a company of our own, and 
refused to go with them. Some of them gave us 
very abusive language, and one man went up on a hill 
above us and fired a pistol toward our company. 
We resolved to travel in our order, and bound our- 
selves by honor and conscience to support and defend 
each other, and to see every man through the wilder- 
ness. But we could not depend upon wicked and 
unprincipled men, who would leave and neglect us, 
and even curse us to our faces. Nor were we at liberty 
to mix with swearers, liars, drunkards, and, for aught 
we know, this may not be the worst with some. We 
were about fourteen or fifteen in company, and had 
twelve guns and pistols. We rode on near the de- 
feated camp, and rested till three o'clock under great 
suspicion of the Indians. We pushed forward, and 
by riding forty-five miles on Wednesday, and about 
the same distance on Thursday, we came safe to 
Robinson's station about eight o'clock. 

Tenn.] Much Travel and Many Trials. 

Saturday, 11. We came to Brother Van Pelt's, with 
whom we rested on the Sabbath. I have traveled 
between five and six hundred miles in the last four 



296 Character and Career of [ x 793 

weeks, and have rested from riding fifteen days at 
conferences and other places. I have been much dis- 
tressed with this night work — no regular meals nor 
sleep — and it is difficult to keep up prayer in such 
rude companies as we have been exposed to. I have 
also been severely afflicted through the whole journey. 
Monday, 13. Was a day of great trial. We rode 

about forty-six miles. Stopped at , where, through 

carelessness, I nearly had been burned up. 

Va.] Peace in the Conference and Happiness in the Cabin. 

Friday \ 24. Came to Rehoboth, in the sinks of 
Greenbrier, where % we held our conference. I was 
greatly comforted at the sight of Brothers B. J. and 
Ellis Cox. We had peace in our conference, and 
were happy in our cabin. I learn that mischief is 
begun in the lower parts of Virginia. J. O' Kelly and 
some of the local preachers are the promoter and 
encouragers of divisions among the brethren. 

Preachers Leaving the Itinerancy. 

Saturday, June 1. I spent the evening with Doctor 
Dulany. Rose and took the rain next morning as 
usual, having had rain for eight or ten days suc- 
cessively. On my way I was met by an old German, 
who shook me by the hand, and said he wished he 
might be worthy to wash my feet. Yea, thought I, 
if you knew what a poor sinful creature I am you 
would hardly look at one so unworthy. But Jesus 
lives. O precious Christ, thou art mine and I am 
thine ! 

Came to Newtown ; the roads exceeding miry, and 
our horses very tired. We are glad to get a little 
rest at Brother Phelps's. My soul has been much 



1 793.] Bishop Asbuty Illustrated. 297 

tried by Satan, and I am pained for the work of God. 
In my six months' travel I find that six acceptable 
preachers are preparing to settle themselves in the 
world and leave the itinerancy. 

Asbury at Bath. 
Friday \ 7. We rode to Bath, that seat of sin. Here 
we continued to rest ourselves. My public work was 
a sermon on the Sabbath. A number of our society 
from various parts being here, I have an opportunity 
of receiving and answering many letters. I am afraid 
I shall spend nine or ten days here to little purpose. 
I employ myself in reading Thomas a Kempis and 
the Bible. I also have an opportunity of going alone 
into the silent grove, and of viewing the continent 
and examining my own heart. I hope for some re- 
lief from my rheumatic complaint which has so 
oppressed me for six months past. The people here 
are so gay and idle that I doubt there being much 
good done among them. The troubles of the east 
and west meet me as I pass. 

MdJ Conference at Oldtown, 

Sunday, 16. A number of us crossed the ferry at 
the mouth of Great Capon, and made our way 
through great heat to Oldtown, thirty-two miles. 
We were obliged to ride moderately, or the excessive 
warmth of the weather might have killed our horses. 
We had no small consolation in uniting the brethren 
from three districts in conference, whose names only 
were before known to each other. I gave them one 
sermon on " Pray for the peace of Jerusalem ; they, 
shall prosper that love thee." Our conference sat 
three days successively, very closely employed. 



298 Character and Career of [ l 793- 

The Difference Between the True and False Minister. 
Thursday \ 20. I had some little time to read, write, 
and pray. My congregation was careless and un- 
feeling. I enforced David's charge to Solomon. 
Methinks it ought to be with those who have to do 
with souls as with a tender, feeling physician that 
attends a patient. Does the fever rage, or the de- 
lirium continue ? His countenance is sad, and when 
labor and medicine fail, and the symptoms continue 
to grow worse, he is then forced, as a skillful phy- 
sician, to pronounce his patient incurable, while a 
quack flatters and sees no danger. Such is the dif- 
ference between a true minister of Christ and a false 
teacher, when applied to the souls of men. 

H". JJ u They Suspected we were Preachers." 

Wednesday, yuly ICX We came to Broadhead's, 
and were totally unknown. I was sick and stopped 
for breakfast. They suspected we were preachers, 
and one asked Brother Hill who I was, and on being 
informed, the mother, son, and daughter came running 
with tears to speak with me. I stopped and gave 
them a sermon at Marbletown. I found the work of 
God going on among the Low Dutch. These, of all 
the people in America, we have done the least with. 

N. T.] Albany— No Sympathy from the Eich. 

Saturday, 13. We rode to Coeyman's Patent, We 
had a good quarterly meeting, and many newly-con- 
verted souls testified of the goodness of God, and of 
. the power of his grace. From thence to Albany, 
with reluctance, and lectured, being Sabbath evening. 
I felt the wickedness of the people, but we had a 



1 793.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 299 

melting season among the preachers in our confer- 
ence. Great changes will be made among the preach- 
ers from this conference : some will be sent to New 
Jersey, others to Rhode Island and Massachusetts. 
The people of Albany roll in wealth, but they have 
no heart to invite any of the servants of God to their 
houses. Unless a great change should take place we 
shall have no more conferences here. I am tired 
down with fatigue and labor under great weakness of 
body, yet I must haste to Lynn — it may be to meet 
trouble. But my days will be short. 

" My suff'ring time will soon be o'er ; 
Then shall I sigh and weep no more : 
My ransomed soul shall soar away, 
To sing God's praise in endless day." 

We hope two hundred souls have been awakened, and 
as many converted, in Albany district the past year. 
Our friends are happy here, not being distressed with 
divisions in the Church, nor by war with the Indians, 
as they are to the southward. According to our 
reckoning we make it about four hundred and forty- 
seven miles from Oldtown to Albany, to come the 
mountainous road through the woods, and to come by 
Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York it is six hun- 
dred miles. 

Conn.] A Day of Small Things in Connecticut and Khode 

Island. 

Monday, 22. We rode fifteen miles to Sharon, 
twenty miles to Litchfield. There is a little move 
among the people of this place. 

Tuesday, 23. Came to H.'s. I rested in a very sol- 
itary shade, and was comforted in my own mind. 
Perhaps the old man is right who says, Not many of 



300 Character and Career of l l 793- 

this generation will enter into the promised land, but 
their children. Came to East Hartford, and find it 
still a day of small things. Falling under deep de- 
jection, (such as I had not known in months,) I con- 
cluded to preach this evening, for my own consolation, 
on "Thou that teachest another, teachest thou not 
thyself?" We passed through and spent a night at 
Windham, a pleasant town, and thence through Can- 
terbury and Plainfield, where our preachers from Con- 
necticut have visited ; but it is a dry land — little rain 
in a double sense. Thence I came upon the State 
of Rhode Island. Stopped in Coventry, and found 
that the two preachers stationed here have been run- 
ning over almost the whole State, and had formed 
but few societies. When I came to Providence I was 
told by I. Martin that, under the present difficulties, 
they had agreed not to forward the preachers of the 
Methodists among them, nor to befriend them. I 
asked for a tavern, and was directed to General T.'s, 
where I was used well. 

Mass,] A Spectacle to Men and Angels. 

Monday, 29. We rode upward of thirty miles, 
through great heat, to Lynn. On our way we fed 
our horses, and bought a cake and some cheese for 
ourselves. Surely we are a spectacle to men and 
angels ! The last nine days we have ridden upward 
of two hundred miles, and, all things taken together, 
I think it worse than the wilderness. The country 
abounds with rocks, hills, and stones, and the heat is 
intense — such as is seldom known in these parts. 

Tuesday, 30. Preached in Lynn on 2 Chron. xv, 2. 
the prophecy of Azariah by the Spirit. 



*793-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 301 

"Pain begets Invention." 
Wednesday, August 7. We passed several little 
towns and came to Milford, about nineteen miles 
from Needham. Here they have a good priest's 
house and meeting house, and all appear to be in the 
fullness of bread. About three hundred were soon 
' collected, to whom I preached on "" The love of Christ 
constraineth us," etc. The man in whose house we 
lodged was very kind, and told me his father held 
society meeting in the house where we preached, and 
that, except conditional perseverance, he preached 
our doctrines. We rode through Minden, Douglas, 
Thompson, and Woodstock ; but missing our way, and 
being very unwell, as I have been some time with an 
inflammation in my throat, we concluded to turn in at 
a tavern and spend the . night in pain. Pain begets 
invention. I now began to think, What shall I do ? 
I am my own physician. I sent for two blisters, ap- 
plied both to my ears, and then began to march to 
Ashford. I turned in at Mr. W/s, met Brothers T. 
and S., and was dragged out to baptize a household 
while I had a fever. The weather was excessively 
warm, like Carolina. I had an awful night. 

Conn,] Conference at Tolland— Asbury a Sufferer. 

Monday, 12. Our conference sat at Tolland. Lame 
as I was I went through the business ; and notwith- 
standing I was tired out with labor, heat, pain, 
and company, I must also preach. So I submitted, 
and endeavored to apply 2 Tim. ii, 24-26. Being 
unable to ride on horseback, I drove on in a carriage 
through the rain over the rocks in the dark, and 
came to Doctor Steel's at Ellington. 



302 Character and Career of [ x 793- 

Yesterday the pain seized my right foot. I am 
now not able to move from my horse to a house ; an 
attack of this kind generally terminates in about 
eight days. 

New Divinity Intolerant. 

Thursday, 15. Came in Brother S.'s carriage to 
Hartford. From what we can gather, we am en- 
couraged to hope that upward of three hundred souls 
have been awakened, and more than two hundred 
converted to God, the last year. If this work goes 
on, Satan will be laboring by all means and by every 
instrument. From Hartford I came to Middletown. 
I slept at E. F.'s, who was the first Separate minister 
on the west of Connecticut River, and a man who had 
labored and written much. Had his learning been 
equal to his piety and good sense, the standing order 
would have trembled under his hand. Who would 
think his Church would vote him out, when old and 
gray-headed, because he could not subscribe to the 
New Divinity ? He is now, as he saith, like a broken 
vessel, and upward of fourscore years of age. His 
wife and children favor us. 

I came to New Haven, thence to Derby, and had 
a return of the inflammation in my throat. Came to 
West Haven — very unwell. I had heavy work to 
get to Reading, being lame in both feet. I laid my- 
self down on the road-side, and felt like Jonah or 
Elijah. I took to my bed at Reading. 

N. YJ Asbury in a Mill-Eaoe. 

Wednesday, 21. When I came near the White 
Plains my horse started and threw me into a mill- 
race knee-deep in water, my hands and side in the 



1 793-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 303 

dirt ; my shoulder was hurt by the fall. I stopped 
at a house, shifted my clothes, and prayed with the 
people. If any of these are awakened by my stop- 
ping there, all will be well. This day I made out to 
ride thirty-three miles. 

Sick, but Hard at Work. 

Thursday, 22. Came to New York. The weather 
is extremely warm. Great afflictions prevail here — 
fluxes, fevers, influenzas. It is very sickly also in 
Philadelphia. I have found by secret search that I 
have not preached sanctification as I should have 
done. If I am restored, this shall be my theme more 
pointedly than ever, God being my helper. I have 
been sick upward of four months, during which 
time I have attended to my business, and ridden, I 
suppose, not less than three thousand miles. I kept 
close house in New York until Sunday, 25, when I 
attempted to preach on Romans xiii, 10-12. The 
weather being warm and dry, I caught an influenza 
which held me four days, and this in addition to my 
fevers and lameness. The effects of this weather 
were sensibly felt by every member of conference, 
some of whom were so indisposed that they could 
not attend. We made a collection of forty pounds 
for the relief of the preachers on the frontiers of New 
York and Connecticut. 

We have awful accounts from Philadelphia, which 
made me feel too much like a man and too little like 
a Christian. 
H". JJ Asbury at Burlington, 

Monday, September 2. I rested. Tuesday, 3. Dined 
at Elizabethtown on my way to Philadelphia. Wed- 



304 Character and Career of [ x 793- 

nesday, 4. I reached Trenton, and received a letter 
from Brother M — k- — y, requesting me to come to 
Burlington, and that it was doubtful whether it were 
prudent to go to Philadelphia on account of the con- 
tagion that then prevailed in that city. I did not 
reach Burlington so soon as was expected, and the 
preachers went on to Philadelphia. I preached in 
Burlington, and the people were very solemn. 

Pad Asbury in Philadelphia in the Midst of Contagion, 

Friday, 6. We rode to the city. Ah ! how the 
ways mourn ! how low-spirited are the people while 
making their escape ! I judge the people die from 
fifty to one hundred in a day. Some of our friends 
are dying, others flying. 

Sunday, 8. I preached on Isa. lviii, 1 : " Cry aloud, 
spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show 
my people their transgression, and the house of 
Jacob their sins." The people of this city are alarmed, 
and well they may be. I went down to Ebenezer, (a 
church in the lower part of the city,) but my strength 
was gone ; however, I endeavored to open and apply 
Micah vi, 9. The streets are now depopulated, and 
the city wears a gloomy aspect. All night long my 
ears and heart were wounded with the cry of fire ! 
And what made it still more serious, two young 
men were killed by the fall of a wall, one of whom 
was a valuable member of our society. Poor Phila- 
delphia ! the lofty city, He layeth it low ! We ap- 
pointed Tuesday, qtk, to be observed as a day of 
humiliation. I preached on 1 Kings viii, 37-40, 
and had a large and very serious weeping congre- 
gation. The preachers left the city on Monday ; I 



1 793-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 305 

continued in order to have the minutes of conference 
printed. 

Wednesday, II. We left the city — solemn as death ! 
The people of Derby and Chester are sickly, and 
they are greatly alarmed at Wilmington. I found 
a quiet retreat at friend Bond's, near New Castle. 

Md.] "The People Pretended to be Afraid." 

Friday, 27. We came to Easton, twenty-five miles. 
Here the people pretended to be afraid of my com- 
municating the infection of the yellow fever, although 
I had been out of Philadelphia from the gt/i to the 
26th instant. I gave them a long discourse, and 
then rode to Hillsborough, and thence to Judge 
White's. Sickness prevails in every house, but there 
are not so many deaths as might be expected from 
general afflictions. 

"0 the Plague of Sin!" 

Thursday, October 10. Came to Baltimore. Passed 
the guard against the plague in Philadelphia, set for 
prudence, one hundred miles off. O the plague of 
sin ! Would to God we were more guarded against 
its baleful influence ! I was sick, weary, and feeble, 
yet, preaching being appointed for me in town, I 
sounded the alarm on Jer. xiii, 16. 

Va.] Asbury Speaks in Self-Defense. 

Thursday, November 7. We had a serious congre- 
gation at Cumberland quarterly meeting. Some ap- 
peared to be much engaged. 

My Sabbath days journey was from Sister L.'s to 
a new chapel in Prince Edward, twenty miles, where, 
after preaching on Matt, xxiv, 12-14, 1 was led to say a 

20 



306 Character and Career of [ J 793- 

few things for myself — as to my coming to and stay- 
ing in America ; of the exercise of that power which 
was given by the first and confirmed- by the last 
General Conference. Many of the people thought 
me not that monster I had been represented. I 
thought this the more necessary here, as great pains 
had been taken to misrepresent and injure me in 
this congregation and neighborhood. So it is : when 
I am absent some will say what they please of me. 
After sacrament we came, weary and hungry, to 
Brother R.'s, by whom we were kindly entertained. 
My soul is stayed on the Lord, although Satan will 
push at me by means of the world, the flesh, and false 
brethren. 

Conference at Petersburg. 

Sunday, 24. Hasted to Petersburg. Came in a 
little before noon, and preached on Isa. lxvi, 4, 5. 

Monday, 25, and the following days, were spent in 
conference. The preachers were united, and the 
Lord was with us of a truth. There were fifty-five 
preachers present. I had some difficulties respect- 
ing the stations ; but there was a willingness among 
the brethren to go where they were appointed, and 
all was well. 

N. 0,] Preachers Loyal to the General Conference. 

Tuesday, December 10. Came to Lewisburg, and 
held our conference at Green Hills, about a mile 
from town. Great peace and unity prevailed among 
us. The preachers cheerfully signed an instrument, 
expressing their determination to submit to and 
abide by what the General Conference has done. 

Friday, 13. Our conference rose. It was agreed 



I793-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 307 

that the next conference should be held in Peters- 
burg. There the preachers from North Carolina, 
Greenbrier, the Center and South Districts of Vir- 
ginia, may all meet, and change properly, and unite 
together for their own and the peopled good. 

S. 0.1 A Boom Twelve Peet Square for Conference, Sleeping, 
and Hospital, 

Monday, 30. We rode forty-five miles to Brother 
Cook's, on Broad River, and the next day to Brother 
Finch's. Here we are to have about thirty preach- 
ers from South Carolina and Georgia. We were 
straitened for room, having only twelve feet square 
to confer, sleep, and for the accommodation of those 
who were sick. Brother B. was attacked with the 
dysentery. 

Wednesday, yanuary 1, 1794. We removed Broth- 
er B. into a room without fire. We hastened the 
business of our conference as fast as we could. After 
sitting in a close room with a very large fire I re- 
tired into the woods nearly an hour, and was seized 
with a severe chili and an inveterate cough and fever. 
With difficulty I sat in conference the following day. 
I was attended by Doctor D. 

I found I must go somewhere to get rest. The 
day was cloudy, and threatened snow. However, 
Brother R. E. and myself made out to get seven 
miles to dear old Brother A. Yeargin's house. The 
next day came on a heavy fall of snow, which con- 
tinued two days, and was from six to ten inches deep. 
I had to let some blood. I made use of flaxseed, and 
afterward of betony-tea, both of which were of use to 
me. 



3 o 8 Character and Career of [ 1 794. 

Asbnry Declines Going West— Seasons, 
Monday, 20. I reached the city of Charleston, 
Here I began to rest, and my cold grew better. Dr. 
Ramsey directed me to the use of laudanum, niter, 
and bark, after cleansing the stomach with an emetic. 
The kindness of Sister Hughes was very great. I 
have written largely to the West, and declined visit- 
ing those parts this year. The American Alps, the 
deep snows and great rains, swimming the creeks and 
rivers, riding in the night, sleeping on the earthen 
floors, more or less of which I must experience if I 
go to the Western country, might at this time cost 
me my life. I have only been able to preach four 
times in three weeks. 

Gordon's History of the Eevolntion, 
I have read Gordon's History of the American 
Revolution. Here we view the suffering straits of 
the American army, and, what is greatly interesting, 
General Washington's taking his farewell of his 
officers. What an affecting scene ! I could not but 
feel through the whole of the description. What, 
then, was the sight ! O how minds are made great 
with affliction and suffering ! 

Poor Beverly Allen, 
Poor Beverly Allen, who has been going from bad 
to worse these seven or eight years — speaking against 
me to preachers and people, and writing to Mr. 
Wesley and Doctor Coke, and being thereby the 
source of most of the mischief that has followed ; and 

lastly, having been agent for Mr. , is now secured 

in jail for shooting Major Forsyth through the head. 
The Major was marshal for the Federal Court in 



1 794.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 309 

Georgia, and was about to serve a writ upon B. A. 
The masterpiece of all is, a petition is prepared, de- 
claring him to have shown marks of insanity previous 
to his killing the Major ! The poor Methodists also 
must unjustly be put to the rack on his account, 
although he has been expelled from among us these 
two years. I have had my opinion of him these nine 
years, and gave Doctor C. my thoughts of him before 
his ordination. I pity, I pray for him — that, if his 
life be given up to justice, his soul may yet be saved. 

"How Good were the Potatoes and Fried Gammon." 
Saturday, March 1. We set out in great spirits, hav- 
ing sixteen miles to the ferry, where we were detained 
six hours. We hoped to have been in Georgetown by 
sunset. Now we thought of traveling until midnight. 
We came to Cedar Creek, which we found in a bad 
state. We stayed at the ferry, being persuaded we 
could not reach Georgetown in time enough for 
meeting. 

Sabbath Morning. We directed our course west- 
ward, and came along, drooping and solitary, to M.'s 
ferry, about twenty-five miles. We rode up to a large 
house, and were asked in to drink brandy. Three 
men and two women appeared to be set in to drink 
the pure stuff, glass after glass. We were glad to re- 
treat. There came on a storm of rain, with thunder 
and lightning. I was unwilling to go to , expect- 
ing the same kind of Sabbath devotion there. We 
traveled a most dreadful road to Black River, and had 
plenty of water above and below us. After riding 
fifteen miles we came to Widow B.'s, where we got 
shelter. Still we had our fears. There is such a 
quantity of water in the swamps and low lands that 



310 Character and Career of [ r 794- 

our feet are kept very uncomfortable, and some 
places are impassable. Isaac Smith, in all these diffi- 
culties and trials of swamps, colds, rains, and starva- 
tion, was my faithful companion. 

After riding twenty-seven miles without eating, 
how good were the potatoes and fried gammon ! We 
then had only ten miles to Brother Rembert's, where 
we arrived about seven o'clock. I confess my soul 
and body have been sorely tried. What blanks are 
in this country, and how much worse are rice planta- 
tions ! If a man-of-war is " a floating hell," these are 
standing ones : wicked masters, overseers, and ne- 
groes — cursing, drinking — no Sabbaths ; no sermons. 

A Cordial Eeception— " Wife, Get Up." 

Thursday, 20. I directed my course, in company 
with my faithful fellow-laborer, Tobias Gibson, up the 
Catawba, settled mostly by the Dutch. A barren 
spot for religion. Having ridden in pain twenty- 
four miles, we came, weary and hungry, to O.'s tav- 
ern, and were glad to take what came to hand. 
Four miles forward we came to Howe's Ford, upon 
Catawba River, where we could neither get a canoe 
nor guide. We entered the water in an improper 
place, and were soon among the rocks and in the 
whirlpools. My head swam, and my horse was 
affrighted ; the water was to my knees, and it was 
with difficulty we retreated to the same shore. We 
then called to a man on the other side, who came 
and piloted us across, for which I paid him well. 
My horse being afraid to take the water a second 
time, Brother Gibson crossed and sent me his, and. 
our guide took mine across. We went on, but our 



1 794.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 31 1 

troubles were not at an end ; night came on, and it 
was very dark. It rained heavily, with powerful 
lightning and thunder. We could not find the path 
that turned out to Connell's. In this situation we 
continued until midnight or past. At last we found 
a path which we followed till we came to dear old 
Father Harpers plantation. We made for the house, 
and called ; he answered, but wondered who it could 
be. He inquired whence we came ; I told him we 
would tell him that when we came in, for it was rain- 
ing so powerfully we had not much time to talk. 
When I came dripping into the house, he cried, 
" God bless your soul ! is it Brother Asbury ? Wife, 
get up." Having had my feet and legs wet for six 
or seven hours causes me to feel very stiff. 

N. 0.] The Oaie of All the Churches. 

Sunday, 23. My subject at Justice White's was 
Heb. ii, 1-3 ; I had more people than I expected. 
I have visited this place once a year ; but Mr. K. and 
L. have both failed coming at all ; I pity them and 
the people. If I could think myself of any account, 
I might say with Mr. Wesley, " If it be so while I 
am alive, what will it be after my death ? " I have 
written several letters to the westward to supply my 
lack of service. I am mightily wrought upon for 
New Hampshire, Province of Maine, Vermont, and 
Lower Canada. 

Va.] Why Some Left the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Wednesday \ 23. I attended the funeral of R. O., 
who, I learn, died in the fear and love of God, of a 
consumption. I was too systematical for my con- 



312 Character and Career of [ x 794- 

gregation, who were wild and unawakened. I bap- 
tized a few children, then crossed Symes's Ferry and 
came twelve miles to Brother Spencer's, in Char- 
lotte County. Here report saith that there is sad 
work with those who have left us, and who are now 
exerting themselves to form as strong a party as they 
can. The principal of these are J. O'K., E. A., J. K., 
and J. C. I learn by a letter from J. Ellis that mat- 
ters are not desperate ; this letter, with some others, 
I shall reserve for a future day. If the real cause of 
this division was known, I think it would appear that 
one wanted to be immovably fixed in a district ; an- 
other wanted money ; a third wanted ordination ; a 
fourth wanted liberty to do as he pleased about slaves, 
and not to be called to an account, etc. 

"I Took my Staff and Faintly Ascended the Hill." 

Monday, yune 9. Rested at Brother Phelps's. My 
mind is in peace, but I feel the spiritual death of the 
people ; they are not what they were in religion. 
I am now on the head branches of Opecken. I 
stopped awhile at J. H.'s, and then came on to Shep- 
herdstown. It was a very instructive time to me ; I 
cannot pretend to preach, yet I talk a little to the 
dear people, who flock to see and hear me by hun- 
dreds. I hope to be as much resigned to a life of 
affliction as a life of health, and thus may I be per- 
fect in love and wholly crucified with Christ ! I con- 
cluded, after my high fever and my being forced to 
bed, that it was out of the question for me to attempt 
to speak ; but when I saw the people coming on 
every side, and thought " this may be the last time," 
and considered I had not been there for nearly five 



1 794.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 313 

years, I took my staff, faintly ascended the hill, and 
held forth on 1 John i, 6, 7, and felt strengthened, 
having a clear view of the word of God. After meet- 
ing we administered the sacrament, and I then re- 
turned to my bed. I preached at Fredericktown. 
Rode to Liberty. When I came there I was so faint, 
and my strength so spent, that I felt as if I could by 
no means attempt to preach ; but after Brother R. 
had sung a hymn and prayed, I made a feeble attempt 
on Gal. i, n, 12. 

Md.] Asbury Submits to Have his Likeness Taken. 

Tuesday, 17. I rode twenty-three miles to the 
Stone Chapel, where I preached on Peters denial of 
his Lord. 

Wednesday, 18. I once more came to Baltimore, 
where, after having rested a little, I submitted to 
have my likeness taken. It seems they will want a 
copy, and if they wait longer perhaps they may miss 
it. Those who have gone from us in Virginia have 
drawn a picture of me, which is not taken from the 
life. We called a meeting at Cokesbury, and made 
some regulations relative to the salaries of the teach- 
ers and the board of the students. I returned to 
Baltimore, and spent Sabbath day, 22d, there, and 
found the people but dull. Brother M'C. took his 
stand at the windmill between town and Point. My 
soul was quickened while applying these words : 
" Every knee shall bow, of things in heaven, things 
on earth, and things under the earth, and every 
tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the 
glory of God the Father." I was grieved to find the 
hearts of the people so cold in religion ; the world is 
a thief, stealing the heart from God. 



314 Character and Career of [ l 794- 

Pa.] At the New African Church in Philadelphia. 

Sunday, 29. I preached at the new African church. 
Our colored brethren are to be governed by the doc- 
trine and discipline of the Methodists. We had some 
stir among the people at Ebenezer. In the evening 
we had a cold time at the great church on Amos 
iv, 11. This has been a hard days work. 

N. J.] Prom Philadelphia to New York. 

Monday, 30. I rode to Trenton — an exceedingly 
warm day — and preached in the evening. We rode 
to Kingston; thence to Brunswick; thence to Bon- 
hamtown, and were weary enough when we got to 
Mr. B/s. Poor Brother S. almost fainted, and went, 
outdone, to bed. 

Came to Elizabethtown, and was grieved at the 
conduct of some of the preachers. O how careful 
should each one be lest he become a stumbling-block 
and destroy precious souls ! As I cannot help, so 
neither am I to answer for, other men's sins. 

U". T.l Important Distinction— Asbury Firm. 

Friday, July 4. Was the anniversary of Independ- 
ence. I preached on 2 Pet. hi, 20, 21. 

At dinner Mr. P. spoke a word in favor of Mr. G., 
(who was once with us, as also he had been ;) this 
brought on an explanation of matters. My answer 
was, 1. That I did not make rules, but had to exe- 
cute them. 2. That any one who desired me to act 
unconstitutionally either insulted me as an individ- 
ual or the conference as a body of men. I hardly 
know sometimes where to set my foot. I must be 



• 



1 794.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 315 

always on my guard, and take heed to what I say of 
and before any one. Lord, make me upright in heart 
and life before thee and all men ! 

Conn,] Eate of Services. 

Friday ', 11. We came to New Haven; thence to 
North Haven ; thence to Middlefields. The rain 
took us as we crossed the mountains, and made it 
heavy work. We found it poor times. Were I to 
be paid by man for my services I should rate them 
very high, it being so painful at present for me to 
ride that a small sum would not tempt me to travel 
forty miles a day. I bless the Lord for daily afflic- 
tions of body and mind. O may these things termin- 
ate in my total resignation to the will of God ! 

The Old Prophet, 

Saturday, 12. The rain detained us till noon. I 
then came to Middletown, and preached at three 
o'clock in the Separate meeting-house with some life. 
I lodged with the old prophet, Frothingham. After 
this dear old man had labored and suffered many 
years, and had been imprisoned three times for the 
cause of Christ ; after he grew old and his memory 
failed, and he could not receive the New Divinity, they 
mistook and wrested his words, and his congrega- 
tion turned him out to starve. But the Lord will 
provide. 

Mass.] Asbury in Boston— The Jack Tars. 

Monday, 21. I came to Boston unwell in body, and 
with a heavy heart. I passed the road and bridge 
from the University to Boston. A noble road ajid 



316 Character and Career of [ x 794* 

grand bridge. We have very agreeable lodging in 
this town, but have to preach, as did our Lord, in 
an upper room. We had a prayer-meeting, and the 
Lord was present to bless us. 

Thursday, 22. I took up my cross and preached 
in a large room, which was full enough and warm 
enough. I stood over the street. The boys and Jack 
tars made a noise, but mine was loudest. There was 
fire in the smoke ; some, I think, felt the word, and 
we shall yet have a work in Boston. My talk was 
strange and true to some. 

K. I] Not Tree to Eat and Drink in Providence, 

Tuesday, 29. Rode through Attlebury to Provi- 
dence. I had no freedom to eat bread or drink 
water in that place. I found a calm retreat at General 
Lippelt's, where we can rest ourselves. The Lord is 
in this family. I am content to stay a day, and give 
them a sermon. 

Conn.] New London Olrarch Building. 

Friday, August 1. Brother R. preached in the even- 
ing in New London. 

Saturday, 2. I made my appearance in the court- 
house, and preached to about seven hundred people 
with considerable freedom. 

Sunday, 3. We had a love-feast in the upper room 
of the court-house, where some spoke feelingly. Our 
sermon and sacrament took up three hours. God is 
certainly among these people. We have set on foot 
a subscription to build a house of worship, and have 
appointed seven trustees. 



1 794.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 317 

Ecclesiastical Chains— -A Prophecy. 

Sunday, 10. Brother R., though sick, went to Coven- 
try, and I was left alone at Tolland, where I preached 
in the forenoon, on Acts ii, 37, 38, with some free- 
dom, and in the afternoon on Colossians ii, 6, and 
found it heavy work. After meeting I was taken 
with a dysentery, (attended with great sinking of 
bodily powers,) which held me most of the night. 
Monday I was better, and preached in a school-house 
at Ellington. I felt great dejection of spirit, but no 
guilt or condemnation. Ah ! here are the iron walls 
of prejudice ; but God can break them down. Out 
of fifteen united States thirteen are free, but two are 
fettered with ecclesiastical chains — taxed to support 
ministers who are chosen by a small committee and 
settled for life. My simple prophecy is, that this 
must come to an end with the present century. The 
Rhode Islanders began in time, and are now free. 
Hail, sons of liberty ! Who first began the war ? Was 
it not Connecticut and Massachusetts ? and priests 

are now saddled upon them. I heard read a 

most severe letter from a citizen of Vermont, to the 
clergy and Christians of Connecticut, striking at the 
foundation and principle of the hierarchy, and the 
policy of Yale College and the independent order. 
It was expressive of the determination of the Ver- 
monters to continue free from ecclesiastical fetters, 
to follow the Bible, and give liberty, equal liberty, to 
all denominations of professing Christians. If so, 
why may not the Methodists (who have been repeat- 
edly solicited) visit these people also ? 



3 1 8 Character and Career of [ 1 794. 

Mass.] The Hew Chapel in Wilbraham. 

Sunday, 17. I came to the new chapel in Wilbra- 
ham, forty by thirty-four feet, neatly designed on the 
Episcopal plan. I preached to about four hundred 
people, who were very attentive, but appeared to be 
very little moved. The standing order have moved 
their house into the street, not far from ours, and 
they think, and say, they can make the Methodist 
people pay them ; but I presume in this they are 
mistaken. 

Conn.] Through Connecticut. 

Monday, September 8. We spent this day on the 
road, passing Windsor and East Hartford, and came 
to the city. The next day we reached Middletown, 
where I was taken ill. We have a call for preachers 
to go to New Hampshire and to the Province of 
Maine. 

Wednesday, 10. We rose at three and set out at 
five o'clock, and breakfasted at North Haven. We 
came in the evening to Stratford, and had a little 
meeting, although I was heavy, sick, and sleepy. 

Thursday, II, We rode to General W.'s. Here I 
learn they guard Kingsbridge, and will not suffer any 
one to pass from New Haven. It is also said the 
pestilential fever prevails in the city of New York, 
having been brought there by a brig from the Islands. 
I thought it best to stop and consult the preachers 
in the Albany district before I go into the city. As 
the yellow fever is so prevalent in the West Indies, 
and our vessels continually trading there, the United 
States will partake, I fear, of their plagues ; and so 
the Lord will punish us for our sins and prodigality. 



1 794.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 319 

I only wish to be holy, and then let come whatever 
the Lord pleases. I came through Poquonnock, Fair- 
field, and Norwalk ; but there is no room for the 
Methodists in those places. 

N. YJ A Methodist Church in Brooklyn. 

Sunday, 21. I preached in the old house on Psalm 
cxxxii, at the new church in the afternoon on Psalm i, 
and at Brooklyn in the evening. Here our brethren 
have built a very good house. The labors of the day, 
pain of body, and my concern for the peace of the 
Church, tended to keep me from proper rest, and 
caused an awful night. 

Monday , 22. We opened conference, and sat close- 
ly to our 'business. Several of our preachers want 
to know what they shall do when they grow old. I 
might also ask, What shall I do ? Perhaps many of 
them will not live to grow old. 

Asbury Overworked, 

Tuesday, 23. I preached with liberty, but on Thurs- 
day night I had a powerful temptation before I went 
into the church, which sat so heavily on me that I 
could not preach ; yet I trust I was kept from sin. 
My sleep is so little that my head becomes dizzy, and 
distresses me much ; four hours sleep in the night is 
as much as I can obtain. We concluded our work, 
and observed Friday as a day of abstinence and 
prayer, and had a good time at our love-feast. 

Simday, 28. Preached at ten o'clock at Brooklyn. 
In the afternoon at the new church on " Woe to them 
that are at ease in Zion ! " I ordained seven deacons 
and five elders, and in the evening, at the old church, 



320 Character and Career of [ r 794- 

I preached again. We had the best time at the last, 
at least it was so to me. All day I was straitened in 
my throat, and in my heart. We collected two hun- 
dred and fifty dollars for the relief of the preachers 
in distress. 

This has been a serious week to me ; money could 
not purchase the labor and exercise I have gone 
through. At this conference it was resolved that 
nothing but an English free day-school should be 
kept at Cokesbury. 

N, J.] Malignant Pever and Whisky Insurrection. 

Tuesday y 30. Rose at three o'clock. Set out at 
five o'clock, rode forty-two miles to Mijford, and 
preached ; but I found this heavy work. 

Wednesday, October 1. I had some life in preach- 
ing at Croswick's meeting-house. I then came to 
Brother Hancock's, and took sweet counsel with my 
friend, whose wife I received as a member of society 
twenty-two years ago. I was in suspense about go- 
ing through Philadelphia, lest I should not reach 
Baltimore in due time. Now report saith that they 
have stopped the Baltimore stage on account of the 
malignant fever, which rages powerfully at the Point. 
There is a great stir among the people concerning 
the Western Insurrection : the people have risen up 
against government on account of the excise law 
relative to the distillation of spirits. A number of 
the militia are called out. Thus trouble comes on in 
Church and State. O, my Lord, give us help, for 
vain is the help of man ! 



1 794.] Bishop Asbuiy Illustrated, 321 

Pa.] Asbury Soon Tires of the City. 

Saturday, 4. Brother M. and myself came to Phila- 
delphia, and on 

Sunday, 5. I preached three times, and was not a 
little fatigued with this day's labor. I felt assisted, 
and had some openings in preaching. 

Monday, 6. Our conference began, and our matters 
were talked over freely. Our session continued until 
Friday, by which time I felt tired of the city, and had 
a desire to be on horseback. I have felt liberty in 
preaching to the citizens, and indulge some hope of 
a revival among them. 

Md.] Cokesbury in Debt— A Christian School or None. 

Thursday, 16. Crossed Susquehanna, and came to 
Cokesbury College. I found it ;£ 1,200 in debt, and 
that there were between ,£500 and ^600 due us ; 
^300 of what we owe ought now to be paid. 

Saturday, 18. We came to Perry Hall. The preach- 
ers were afraid to go into Baltimore, but the brethren 
from there came out to calm their fears an 1 invited 
them in. I have been hurried, and have not as much 
time for retirement as my soul panteth for — yet I 
desire nothing but Christ. 

Monday, 20. We rode to Baltimore, and in the 
afternoon opened our conference. We had about fifty 
preachers, including probationers. Our business was 
conducted in peace and love. Myself and others be- 
ing unwell, we sat only six hours in the day. 

Tuesday, 21. I gave them a sermon on Exodus 

xxxii, 26. We had a list of names from Fairfax, who 

required an explanation of a minute in our form of 

21 



322 Character and Career of [ x 794- 

discipline relative to the trial of members ; inquiring 
whether the "select members were as witnesses or 
judges, and had power to vote members in or out of 
society." (Sec. viii, p. 56.) We answered them. 

Our collegiate matters now come to a crisis. We 
now make a sudden and dead pause. We mean to 
incorporate and breathe, and take some better plan. 
If we cannot have a Christian school (that is, a school 
under Christian discipline and pious teachers) we 
will have none. I had peace of mind, but not much 
rest. 

Va.] Sable Sons of Africa— The Question now Answered. 

Thursday, 30. Crossed the Potomac, at the mouth 
of Goose Creek, and came, unexpected by the breth- 
ren, to Leesburg. Thence we journeyed on through 
Prince William and Fauquier counties. We passed 
Germantown, and came along Rogues' Road to Nor- 
man's Ferry on Rappahannock. After a disagreea- 
ble journey, and being exposed to uncomfortable 
weather, on Tuesday \ the 4th of November, we came 
safe to Father Kaubler's, in Culpepper county. 
Thank the Lord, there is here and there a house for 
God. At Father K.'s I had many women and but 
few men to hear. Some of the men are gone to war, 
some to their sports, and some have no desire to 
hear. 

We rode ten miles to Brother Frye's. After a 
long absence of ten years I am here again. I learn 
that about the month of June last died the great poli- 
tician, Richard Henry Lee, of Westmoreland county, 
one who took an active part in promoting the inde- 
pendence of the United States of America. O when 
will liberty be extended to the sable sons of Africa ? 



1 794.] Bishop Asbziry Illustrated. 323 

General Conference Action on Slavery. 
Tuesday ', November 25. We opened our conference, 
and had great siftings and searchings, especially on 
the subject of slavery. The preachers, almost unan- 
imously, entered into an agreement and resolution not 
to hold slaves in any State where the law will allow 
them to manumit them, on pain of forfeiture of their 
honor and their place in the itinerant connection ; and 
in any State where the law will not admit of manumis- 
sion, they agreed to pay them the worth of their labor, 
and when they die to leave them to some person or 
persons, or the society, in trust, to bring about their 
liberty. After raising and applying what money we 
could, (which was about ^50,) we calculated that one 
fourth of the preachers at this conference had re- 
ceived for their salary the past year about £>\o ; one 
half from about £>\2 to ,£15, and one fourth their 
full quarterage, (sixty-four dollars.) We had great 
peace, and not one preacher objected to his station. 
We sent an apology to our brethren in Petersburg 
for not having held conference there according to ap- 
pointment, for- reasons already assigned. We were 
greatly obliged to our friends in Greenville for accom- 
modating the conference. Men and horses were 
well entertained — all for love. 

S. 0.] " Still Onward— Painting but Fighting." 

Saturday, December 13. We crossed Roanoke, and 
came to Mr. Smith's, in Granville county. On 
Sunday, \6tk> crossed Mountain and Grassy Creeks, 
and came to Brother Owens's, whose wife is a true 
daughter of D. Grant, my dear old friend in Georgia. 
He was among the last fruits of that great man, Mr. 



324 Character and Career of l 1 794- 

Davies, when he labored in Hanover, in Virginia, 
forty years ago. 

Monday, 15. Crossed the head streams of Tar 
River, which are only small branches, and rode on to 
R.'s, where I had an appointment, and found I had 
another twenty-five miles forward at L.'s ; so I left 
Brother C. to fill up my place, and went forward to 
the latter, where I preached to about two hundred 
people. I feel weak in body and mind, yet find my 
soul stayed upon God. " Still onward I go, fainting 
yet fighting." 

Thursday, 18. I have a long journey to Charleston, 
(S. C.,) and but thirteen days to perform it, having 
appointed to be there the 1st of January. 

S. 0,1 Charleston Conference. 

Wednesday, 31. Myself with the main body of the 
preachers came into the city of Charleston. I felt 
faint and unwell after the fatigues I had passed 
through on my journey. 

Thursday, January 1, 1795. New Year's Day. I 
was called upon to preach, unwell as I was, which I did 
on Psalm xc, 12. We entered on the business of our 
conference, and continued until Wednesday, Jth. We 
had preaching every night during the sitting of con- 
ference. It was the request of the conference that I 
should preach them a sermon on Tuesday night, 
with which I complied, and made choice of Jer. xxiii, 
29-32. In times past I have endeavored to keep on 
traveling all the year, but I now judge it meet to stay 
in Charleston a little longer and then take the field ; 
yet it is with fear and trembling. 



1 795-] Bishop As bury Illustrated. 325 

Asbnry on Berridge. 
Sunday, February 1. I went to the church, and 
lectured on the second table of the law, attending 
particularly to our Lord's comment on each precept. 
In the afternoon I enlarged on Jer. xxxi, 33, and I do 
hope there was some stir in the hearts of the peo- 
ple. I began reading Berridge' s Christian World 
Unmasked. How like the man and his conversation, 
which I heard by the hour thirty years ago ! I think 
there is some tartness in his Christian remarks on 
the Checks and dear Mr. Fletcher, of whom I have 
heard Mr. Berridge speak in terms of very great 

respect. 

Prospective Work. 

Wednesday ', 25. We had a love-feast for the Afri- 
cans, and many gave in their experiences with life. 

In the evening we had a love-feast for the whites. 
I have had a long stay here, and now rejoice in the 
hope of going again into the field to work. Nothing 
would have kept me here but the hope of preserving 
my health the other ten months of the year, which 
will enable me to run through North and South 
Carolina, the New Territory, Virginia, Maryland, 
Delaware, Pennsylvania, Jersey, New York, Con- 
necticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Province of 
Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and sometimes 
Kentucky. 

The Third Eevival. 

Friday, 27. Mr. Wesley lived to see two general 
revivals of religion : one at the beginning, the other 
about thirty-six years ago ; though, doubtless, they 
had generally a gradual growth of religion. We also 
have had two revivals : one at the beginning, the other 



326 Character arid Career of [ J 79S- 

about seven years ago. The third revival has now taken 
place in England, and I hope ours will soon follow. 

The Sew Still-House— A Warning. 
Saturday, March 14. I came to A/s chapel, but 
the weather was so exceedingly cold, and the house 
so open, that we went to the dwelling-house, where I 
preached and prayed, and (the people said) stormed 
and scolded. When meeting was over I saw the new 
still-house, which, as George Fox said, " struck at 
my life," and we found it necessary to deal plainly 

with Brother about his distillery, and to tell him 

what we apprehended would be the consequence if 
persisted in. Its natural tendency would be to cor- 
rupt his family and the neighborhood, and to destroy 
the society. We came to G.'s meeting-house, where 
we had as wild and disorderly a congregation as could 
well be without words and blows. I preached a little, 
and stormed a great deal, but all would not do. 

N. OJ A Comprehensive Prayer. 

Friday y April 10. We came to G.'s, in Wilkes 
county. I fear lest darkness should be felt here. 
Ah, Lord, help me to go through good and evil re- 
port ; prosperity and adversity ; storms and calms ; 
kindness and unkindness ; friends and enemies ; life 
and death, in the spirit and practice of the Gospel of 
Jesus Christ ! 

" From White's to Nelson's." 

Wednesday, 22. Crossed the Ridge, and kept on 
to the westward. We met Major J. White's path, 
and found it abundantly better than the old one. We 
reached the top of the Ridge in about six miles. Here 
we found ourselves among fruitful hills ; then we had 



x 795-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 327 

a good path for six miles more, except where there 
were some laurel branches and roots. We stopped 
at S.'s, and it was well we did, or we should have been 
well-nigh starved, both man and horse. I went on 
to D.'s, and thence to Nelson's, where I met with 
Brothers B., A., and W., ancient men among us. I 
stood the fatigue and sleeping three in a bed better 
than I expected. From White's to Nelson's is eighty 
miles. We crossed the Wattawba about twenty 
times. At supper we ate of the perch that are taken 
in great plenty from Smith's fish spring. I judge 
there must be a subterraneous communication from 
that to the river. I was led to speak with life and 
power on " Will ye also go away ? " I spent a night 
with Brother Whitaker. I wish his wife may not love 
him to death. 
Tern] A Hew Meeting-House, 

Monday, 27. We hasted to F. Earnest's, on Nola- 
chucky River, where we held our western conference. 
Here six brethren from Kentucky met us, and we 
opened our conference with twenty-three preachers, 
fifteen of whom were members. We received every 
man's account of himself and his late labors, and in- 
quired of each man's character among his brethren. 
Our business was conducted with love and harmony. 
Our brethren have built a meeting-house, and I must 
needs preach the first sermon, which I did on Exod. 
xx, 24. Nothwithstanding it was a time of great 
scarcity, we were well and most kindly entertained. 

YaJ The "Hope" of Asbury now Eealised. 

Monday, May 4. We rode thirty-five miles to the 
head branches of the main Holstein, and the next 
day reached Alfred's, on New River. 



328 Character and Career of [ I 795- 

Wednesday, 6. We rode to Pepere's ferry, and 
made it thirty-five miles to M'Daniel's. Thursday 
we rode to Brother W.'s, near Fincastle, thirty-eight 
miles. The toils of this journey have been great, the 
weather sultry, the rides long, and roads rough. 
We suffered from irregularity in food and lodging, 
although the people are very kind, and give us the 
best they have, and that without fee or reward, so 
that I have only spent about two shillings in riding 
about two hundred miles. I hope posterity will be 
bettered by my feeble efforts. Hail, happy day of 
rest ! It draws nigh, and this labor and toil will soon 
be at an end ! 

Harper's Perry— Its Impending Eocks. 

Mo7iday y 18. We rode to Charlestown, Jefferson 
county, and lodged with a pious physician. Next 
morning breakfasted with J. H., and then came to 
Harper's Ferry, where the impending rocks impress 
the mind of the traveler with terror. This scene is 
truly awful and romantic. We came to S. Phillip's, 
but were not expected until next week ; so I directed 
my course to Baltimore. 

Md.] Death of Judge White— His Character. 

Thursday, 21. We set out for Baltimore. The rain 
came on very heavily — I have not felt nor seen such 
since the sixth of March, since which time I have 
ridden about one thousand two hundred miles. This 
day I heard of the death of one among my best 
friends in America — Judge White, of Kent county, 
in the State of Delaware. Lord, help us all to live 
our short day to thy glory ! I have lived days, weeks, 



1 795.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 329 

and months in his house. O that his removal may 
be sanctified to my good and the good of the family ! 
He was about sixty-five years of age. He was a 
friend to the poor and oppressed ; he had been a pro- 
fessed Churchman, and was united to the Methodist 
connection about seventeen or eighteen years. His 
house and heart were always open, and he was a 
faithful friend to liberty in spirit and practice ; he 
was a most indulgent husband, a tender father, and 
an affectionate friend. He professed perfect love, 
and great peace, living and dying. 

Asbury Subject to Depression. 

Thursday, June II. Still under awful depression. 
I am not conscious of any sin, even in thought ; but 
the imprudence and unfaithfulness of others bear 
heavily on my heart. I feel a degree of willingness 
to die and enter into rest. For the first time I 
visited Centerville and preached in the new house. 
I saw Doctor Hall, who is greatly changed since 
1792, and under deep exercise about preaching, so 
that he cannot attend to his practice, and appears to 
be lost in thought. I wrote to him to try Baltimore. 
It is a pity such a man of sentiment, learning, and 
fine feeling should be lost. I rode home with R. W. 
He is rich in the world, but wants more of the life of 
religion ; he appears still to love the preachers and 
the cause of God. I received information that Doc- 
tor M.'s wife, before she died, manumitted her favor- 
ite servant-maid ; not long after the Doctor himself 
was called away, but before his removal he manu- 
mitted all his slaves. This man claimed no high 
Gospel light, and professed no more religion than the 



330 Character and Career of [ I 795- 

generality of the world- among us do. I have a hope 
that God is preparing me for greater usefulness in 
my latter days. O how happy should I be if after 
laboring thirty years, as I sometimes fear to very 
little profit, it should hereafter appear that hundreds 
have been converted by my ministry ! Of late I have 
had but little to do but pray, preach, ride, converse, 
and take my necessary refreshment. 

Del.] An Evening with Dr. A. Kidgeley. 

Wednesday, 17. I had a solemn season at Dover. 
I spent the evening with Doctor A. Ridgeley, in the 
late dwelling-house of his father. In some houses we 
serve the fathers, not the children ; in some the chil- 
dren, not the fathers ; and in some we serve both 
parents and children. 

Pa.l Asbnry Spends Three Days in Meeting Glasses. 

Sunday, 21. I preached in the city of Philadelphia 
three times, not with the success I would wish. I 
was exceedingly assisted in meeting the classes, in 
which I spent three days, and am now of opinion 
that there is more religion among the society than I 
expected. I trust both they and myself will remem- 
ber this visit for days to come. I was also much 
quickened in meeting the local preachers and leaders, 
who spoke feelingly of the state of their souls and 
the work of God. I now go hence to meet new 
troubles, and to labor while feeble life shall last. 

U. J.] Brother Morrell Sick bnt Eecovering. 

Saturday, 27. I came to Elizabethtown, and found 
Brother Morrell (who had been bled and physicked 



1 795.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated, • 331 

almost to death) on the recovery. My troubles are 
greater than ever : my body is weak, and my spirits 
very low. At the request of my friends I stayed in 
town until Sunday, and was assisted in a manner I 
least expected in preaching to about eighty people 
from 1 Cor. xv, 58. After sermon I called the soci- 
ety together, and had a melting time in speaking 
personally to each. 

H. T,] The Bishop at "Work in the Classes. 

Sunday, July 5. I preached in Brooklyn in the 
morning, and returned to assist in the sacrament in 
the afternoon at the new church. I then met the 
black classes, and preached at half past six. I closed 
my day's work by meeting two men's classes. 

Monday, 6. I met nine classes ; so that I have now 
spoken to most of the members hare, one by one. I 
left the city in peace, and received of their bounty 
toward bearing my expenses. We came to Stamford, 
where I preached in a private house. 

Conn.] Asbury Preaches in Dr. Edwards's Meeting-House. 

Friday, 10. We had a very warm ride, fourteen 
miles, to New Haven. I think it as sultry here as it 
was the tenth of June in Delaware. Nothing would 
do but I must preach in Doctor Edwards's meeting- 
house, which I did on these words : " Yea, doubt- 
less, and I count all things but loss for the excellency 
of the knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord." 

Conference at. Hew London. 

Monday, 13. We had some life at Middle Haddam. 
Tuesday, 14, preached at New London about six 



332 • Character and Career of [ r 795- 

o'clock, where I found most of the preachers present. 
Wednesday, 15, we opened our conference, which 
consisted of about twenty members, and sat until 
noon on Saturday. We had great peace in our con- 
ference ; but some exercises relative to the externals 
arose from the ancient contest about baptism, these 
people being originally connected with those that 
are of that line. O what wisdom, meekness, pa- 
tience, and prudence are necessary ! Our brethren 
were exceedingly kind, and I hope this conference 
will be for the good of the people in this place and 
thousands besides. 

E. I,] " Either Oursing or Blessing." 

Thursday, 23. We came in the evening to Provi- 
dence. When we entered the town some drunken 
fellows raised a cry and shout, and made a sacrifice 

of the Methodists to hell. Mr. is now pastor 

of, and the Tennant-house is shut against us. I 
wished to ride on and not to stop in town, but Mr. 
Robertson, an ancient Englishman, constrained us to 
turn in with him. We dined at Milton, and made it 
thirty miles to Boston, where I preached twice on 
the Sabbath (though very unwell) in a room that 
will hold about two hundred and fifty people. It 
seemed as if we hardly had either cursing or blessing 
among the people here. I have no doubt but that if 
we had a house we should command a large congre- 
gation ; but we labor under great inconveniences 
where we preach at present. I feel myself feeble in 
body and faint in spirit ; yet Christ is mine, and I 
hope to be his in time and forever. Amen. 



1 795-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 333 

Mass,] Departure from Lynn— Brother Eoberts. 

Sunday, August 2. Was a warm, sultry day. I 
rose in the morning very feeble in spirit, and attend- 
ed prayer-meeting at six o'clock. I preached three 
times, administered the sacrament, and met two 
classes, and was not so fatigued as I expected I 
should have been. I have had some refreshing sea- 
sons ; and now I bid farewell to Lynn for two years. 
I rode a solitary way through Maiden, Mystic, and 
North Cambridge, and preached at Waltham, at five 
o'clock, to a few people ; the great rain prevented 
many from attending. Brother Roberts took an in- 
termittent fever when we were at New Haven, and 
hath labored and suffered, sick or well, until he is 
almost dead. I received from the quarterly meeting 
held in Fairfield circuit what I should be glad to re- 
ceive once a year from every circuit in the Union. 
It was as follows : " The preachers of the Methodist 
Episcopal order who have traveled on this circuit 
since the last conference have so conducted them- 
selves that their characters are unimpeachable." 
Signed by the local preachers, exhorters, stewards, 
and leaders. 

Asbtuy's Plan for 1797. 

Monday, 10. I stopped and gave an exhortation at 
Springfield. After a thunder-gust we came on to 
Agawomin. If I accomplish the tour I have in con- 
templation it will make about six or seven hundred 
miles to the city of New York. I was stopped by 
the rain, but when I cannot do one thing another 
offers. I could read, write, pray, and plan. I laid 
out a plan for my travels in 1797: through Connect- 



334 Character and Career of [ T 795. 

icut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Province of 
Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, mak- 
ing a distance of twelve or fifteen hundred miles. I 
set out for Williamstown on the banks of Hoosac, 
on the west borders of Massachusetts. I lodged at 
Sister PL's. I was well steeped in water, although 
my cloak saved me in a good degree, as is frequently 
the case. My rest was interrupted. To labor hard 
all the day, and have no sleep at night, ill suits the 
flesh. 

K T.] Ashgrove— Philip Embury. 

Friday, 21. We rode in the afternoon into the 
woods of Bennington. Preached at Brother D.'s, 
and had a melting, comfortable season with about 
fifty souls. There are sinners, Deists, Universalists, 
etc., and they all have something to say about re- 
ligion. I feel my soul stayed upon God, although I 
am in heaviness through manifold temptations. 

Saturday, 22. Brother Roberts and myself parted. 
He went to Pownell and myself to Ashgrove, where 
we have a society of about sixty members. They 
originated with P. Embury, who left the city of New 
York when the British preachers came there. He 
continued to pursue his purpose of forming societies 
in the country, but dying in a few years, the society 
was left, and were without preaching by the Meth- 
odists for fifteen years. We have now a neat little 
chapel here. 

Conn.] A Difference whether in Company with Saints or 

Sinners. 

Sunday, 23. My soul has been much quickened 
this Sabbath, and I find a difference between being 



1 795-1 Bishop As bury Illustrated. 335 

among saints and sinners. We came through Cam- 
bridge county, now Washington, and passed Argyle- 
town, named after Argyle in Scotland. We came to 
Brother M.'s ; we and our horses were quite weary ; 
but it is enough, the Lord is with us. Let this suffice 
at all times and in every place. We came through a 
mere wilderness of swamp ; the roots of the white 
pine, beech, and hemlock were a good deal in our 
wav. We reached Westfield, where is a considerable 
settlement and a promising society. 

N, TJ Plattsburg Asking for Methodist Preachers, 

We passed Skeynesborough, and turned our course 
eastward through some rough ground, and came to 
Hampton township, where we held a quarterly meet- 
ing at Brother M.'s in a pleasant vale. We rode 
through considerable heat, nearly twenty miles, with- 
out obtaining any refreshment. I have reason to 
praise God that I have been able to travel from Lynn 
to this place ; the distance the way I have come I 
compute to be about four hundred miles. I am now 
within a mile of the line of Vermont. There is 
only one county (in the State of New York) between 
this and Lower Canada. There is a place called 
Plattsburg, where they have often solicited us to send 
preachers. I find some similarity between the north- 
ern and western frontiers. 

Methodism at Coeyman's Patent. 
Wednesday, September 2. We had a solemn meeting 
at Bethlehem, in Ashgrove. Thursday, 3, we had a 
warm-hearted people at R.'s, and a better time than 
weakness of body or mind could promise. On Friday 
we came to Lansingburg, and thence to Troy. At 



336 Character and Career of [ l 795* 

last we got to Coeyman's Patent, weary, sick, and 
faint, after riding thirty-six miles. 

Saturday, 5. We were crowded with people. I 
suppose we had, perhaps, a thousand at the Stone 
Church at Coeyman's Patent, and I felt some life and 
warmth among them. 

Sunday, 6. In the morning we had baptism, ordina- 
tion, sacrament, and love-feast. Some spoke with life 
of the goodness of God. I gave them a discourse at 
eleven o'clock, and then went to bed with a high 
fever. Brother Roberts pleased, and I trust profited, 
the people with a discourse after I had done. 

Brother Garrettson Spiritually Eich, 
Saturday, 12. We reached Brother Garrettson's, 
and Sundap, 13, I preached at R.'s chapel. Then 
returned to Rhinebeck chapel, and preached on Heb. 
xiii, 5. God once put into Brother Garrettson's 
hands great riches of a spiritual nature, and he labored 
much. If he now does equal good according to his 
temporal ability he will be blessed by the Lord and 
by men. 

Conference at White Plains— Forty-three Preachers Present. 

Sunday, 20. I had a comfortable time at Croton 
chapel on Rom. i, 16. I returned to General Van 
Courtlandt's, and dined with my dear aged friends. 
Shall we never meet again ? We came to Fishers, 
near the White Plains chapel, to hold conference. 
My soul is kept solemn, and I feel as if earth were 
nothing to me. I am happy in God, and not per- 
plexed with the things of this world. 

Tuesday, 22. A few of us met in conference, the 
main body of the preachers not coming in until about 



I795-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 337 

twelve o'clock. We went through the business of 
the conference in three days, forty-three preachers 
being present. I was greatly disappointed in not 
hearing the preachers give a full and free account of 
themselves and circuits. Although we sat ten hours 
in each day we did not close our business until 
Thursday evening, after sitting each night till twelve 
o'clock. 
N. J.] Through New Jersey Again. 

Friday, 25. We crossed Hudson River twenty-six 
miles above the city of New York, and came on to 
the waters of Hackensack, a river that is only thirty 
miles long and navigable two thirds of the way. We 
then came to Passaic River, crossed at Second River, 
and made out this day to ride forty miles, much 
fatigued. 

Saturday, 26. We rode about thirty-two miles with 
but very little to eat ; however, we had the pleasure 
of seeing the famous Brunswick bridge, which is now 
nearly finished. It is the grandest of the kind I have 
seen in America. I was properly wearied, and pre- 
pared to rest on Sunday. I was sorely tired yester- 
day, more so than I have been these six weeks past. 

Monday, 28. We came to Monmouth. We would 
have gone to Shrewsbury, but time and horses failed 
us. I learn that the ancient spirit of faith, prayer, 
and power is taking place in a few places below. I 
was shocked at the brutality of some men who were 
fighting. One gouged out the other's eye ; the father 
and son then beset him again, cut off his ears and 
nose, and beat him almost to death. The father and 
son were tried for a breach of the peace and roundly 

fined, and now the man that lost his nose and ears is 

22 



338 Character and Career of [ l 795- 

to come upon them for damage. I have often thought 
that there are some things practiced in the Jerseys 
which are more brutish and diabolical than in any of 
the other States. There is nothing of this kind in 
New England : they learn civility there at least. We 
rode twenty miles to Emley's church, where the great 
revival of religion was some years ago. I felt a little 
of the old, good spirit there still. Thence we jour- 
neyed on to Penny Hill, fifteen miles, where I was 
enabled to speak strong words. Thence I came to 
New Mills, and gave them an alarming talk on judg- 
ment beginning at the house of God. 

Pa,] Extensive Conference Appointments. 

Saturday, October 3. I came through the sand to 
Philadelphia, and on Sunday evening I preached on 
" All seek their own, not the things which are Jesus 
Christ's." 

Monday, 5. We opened our conference, and went 
on with great peace, love, and deliberation, but were 
rather irregular, owing to some preachers not coming 
in until the third or fourth day. We made better 
stations than could be expected, extending from 
Northampton, in Virginia, to the Seneca Lake. 

Md.] Conference in Baltimore. 

Saturday, 17. I came to Baltimore to attend the 
quarterly meeting. Brother Whatcoat and myself 
filled up Sunday, the i8t/i, and were crowded with 
people. 

Tuesday, 20. Our conference began. We had 
preachers from the Northern Neck, and what is 
called New Virginia, (Pitt District,) and the west of 
Maryland; about fifty-five in number. On Friday 



I 79S-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 339 

night there was a public collection for the assist- 
ance of the preachers who were deficient in their 
quarterage. 
VaJ Methodism Eegains its Proper Tone, 

Monday, November 23. I preached at W.'s chapel, 
and in the evening came, cold and hungry, to L. 
Holmes's, in Mecklenburg. 

Tttesday, 24. Our conference began at Salem 
chapel ; there were present about fifty members and 
sixteen probationers. We had close work, and great 
harmony in sentiment. 

Saturday, 28. Brothers A. and C. preached, and 
we had a warm, living season. 

Sunday, 29, was a great day. I preached on 
1 Tim. iii, 15, 16, and there were ten elders and nine 
deacons ordained. This part of the connection has 
regained its proper tone, after being kept out of tune 
for five years by an unhappy division. We were 
kindly entertained by our friends and brethren. 
Preachers and people were blessed, and we parted in 
peace. 
K 0.] "If there were no Sinners." 

Saturday, December 19. We crossed the south 
branch of Black River, and came to Elizabethtown, 
about fifty miles above Wilmington. We had a very 
cold day, and -nothing to eat for thirty miles. Brother 
M'Rea met us near the town and took us to his house, 
and it was well he did, or we might have been lost in 
the woods. But the kindness of the people in 
supplying our wants made up for our toil. Lord, 
comfort them who comfort us ! Here we had a 
quiet retreat, and spent the Sabbath in public and 
private exercises. 



34° Character and Career of I 1 795- 

Monday, 21. We set out by sunrise, and had to 
work our way through the swamps, where I feared 
being plunged in head foremost I have lately been 
much tried several ways, and much comforted. We 
came down Brunswick county, North Carolina, twenty 
miles to Norman's, within the line of South Carolina. 
Cross where you will between the States, it is a 
miserable pass for one hundred miles west. I was 
much led out on Rev. xxi, 6-8. This country abounds 
with bays, swamps, and drains. If there were here 
no sinners I would not go along these roads. Some- 
times I feel as though I could rejoice to die and go 
\ home ; but at other times the work of God is in my 
way, and sometimes my own unworthiness. 

S. 0.1 Christmas Day— Only an Apple to Eat. 

Christmas Day> 25. We set out at six o'clock for 
Georgetown, and came to Urania ferry, which we 
crossed and came to Wacamaw River. We were 
detained at the two ferries about three hours, then 
rested one, and came to Georgetown about four 
o'clock in the evening, having ridden thirty-seven 
miles without eating or drinking, except a lowland 
hard apple which I found in my pocket. After ten 
years' labor we have done but little ; but if we could 
station a preacher here we might yet hope for suc- 
cess. I found Brother Cannon had not labored in 
vain. He hath established class-meetings among 
white and black, and the good would have been still 
greater had prayer-meetings been properly kept up. 
We try to do good, but who among us try to do all 
they can ? For myself, I have no company without 
fears of not having discharged my duty. Were it not 



I 79S-] Bishop Asbmy Illustrated. 341 

for Jesus, who would be saved ? When I have 
preached I feel as though I had need to do it over 
again, and it is the same with all my performances. 
Brother Blanton, my faithful friend, who freely offered 
himself to go to South Carolina, now my companion 
in travel, had not preached for a month, so I thought 
it time for him to begin again, which he did in the 
evening. I preached on Psalm xii, 1, and on the Sab- 
bath I preached on Deut. v, 12-14. I n the afternoon 
the people were attentive and somewhat moved. I 
find the scene is changed in Georgetown : we have a 
number of very modest, attentive hearers, and a good 
work among the blacks. The Methodists begin to 
stand on even ground with their antagonists. 

Cokesbury College Burned. 

Wednesday, 30. We reached Charleston, having 
made about seventy-four miles from Georgetown, 
along an excellent road. Here are the rich, the rice, 
and the slaves ; the last is awful to me. Wealthy 
people settled on the rice lands of Cooper River hold 
from fifty to two hundred slaves on a plantation in 
chains of bondage ; yet God is able of these stones, 
yea, of these slaveholders, to raise up children unto 
Abraham. My soul felt joyful and solemn at the 
thoughts of a revival of religion in Charleston. I find 
several young persons are brought into the fold of 
Christ. 

Thursday, 31. Several of the preachers came into 
the city to conference. We had a melting time at 
the love-feast at Brother Wells's. 

Friday, January 1, 1796. I gave them a sermon 
suited to the beginning of the year, and the sacred 
fire was felt. Saturday, 2, we began our conference. 



34 2 s Character and Career of [1796. 

Lgrds J)ay, 3, was a day of extraordinary divine 
power, particularly at the sacrament ; white and 
black cried out and shouted the praises of God — 
yea, 

" Clap your hands, ye people all, 
Praise the God on whom ye call." 

Monday, 4. We again entered on the business of 
conference. Present, about twenty members and 
seven graduates. 

Tuesday, 5, continued our business. We have great 
peace and love — see eye to eye, and heart to heart. 
We have now a second and confirmed account that 
Cokesbury College is consumed to ashes, a sacrifice 
of ;£ 10,000 in about ten years ! The foundation was 
laid in 1785, and it was burned December 7, 1795. 
Its enemies may rejoice, and its friends need not 
mourn. Would any man give me ;£ 10,000 per year 
to do and suffer again what I have done for that 
house I would not do it. The Lord called not Mr. 
Whitefield nor the Methodists to build colleges. I 
wished only for schools ; Dr. Coke wanted a college. 
I feel distressed at the loss of the library. 

President Washington, 
Monday, 1 1. My soul is stayed upon God, momently 
looking unto him. In reading Mr. Winterbotham, I 
compared the great talk about President Washington 
formerly with what some say and write of him now. 
According to some he then did nothing wrong ; it 
is now said that he was always partial to aristocrats 
and Continental officers. As to the latter, I ask, Who 
bought the liberty of the States ? The Continental 
officers ; and surely they should reap a little of the 
sweets of rest and peace. These were not chimney- 



1796.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 343 

corner whigs. But favors to many of the officers now 
would come too late — a great number of them are gone 
to eternity, their constitutions being broken with 
hard fare and labor during the war. As to myself, 
the longer I live, and the more I investigate, the 
more I applaud the uniform conduct of President 
Washington in all the important stations which he 
has filled. 

Asbury Happy with the Poor Slaves. 

Friday, February 5, I spent in reading and writing, 
and observed it as a day of fasting and prayer. I 
felt myself under dejection of spirit. Ah ! what a 
dreary world is this ! My mind is under solemn im- 
pressions — the result of my reflections on God and 
souls. I will endeavor not to destroy myself above 
measure. If sinners are lost I cannot save them, 
neither shall I be damned for them. I w r as happy 
last evening with the poor slaves in Brother Wells's 
kitchen, while our white brother held a sacramental 
love-feast in the front parlor up stairs. I must be 
poor : this is the will of God concerning me. 

The Methodists have now about ninety thousand 
members of society in Europe, about seventy thou- 
sand in America and the Islands, and about four 
hundred in Africa. 

The Seventh Commandment. 
Sunday, 14. I began the solemnity of the day by 
opening and applying our Lord's comment on the 
seventh commandment, which is designed to condemn 
the adultery of the heart. It appears to have been the 
will of our Lord not to give liberty for a second marriage 
while a former husband or wife is living. St. Paul 



344 Character and Career of \. l 79^ 

undoubtedly understood it so, even when heathen 
husbands left their wives, or wives their husbands. 

Asbury's Labors in Charleston. 

Sunday, 28. My morning subject was Philippians 
i, 8, 9. In the evening I treated on wolves in sheep 's 
clothing. Some laughed, some wept, and some were 
vexed. Ah ! how I wish to make my escape and be 
gone ! I must pay for this indulgence with pain of 
mind. I feel for these souls. Many who have been 
sitting under my ministry appear more hardened than 
when I began first to preach to them, and no wonder, 
seeing they have so insulted the Spirit of God. 

Wednesday, Match 2. For my unholiness and un- 
faithfulness my soul is humbled. Were I to stand 
in my own merit, where should I be or go but to 
hell ? The time drawing nigh when I expected to 
leave the city, I was visited by my poor Africans, 
and had their prayers and best wishes. And now 
what have I been doing ? I have preached eighteen 
sermons, met all the classes, fifteen in number, writ- 
ten about eighty letters, read some hundred pages, 
visited thirty families again and again. But who are 
made the subjects of grace ? Such are my impres- 
sions that I am apprehensive God will work more in 
judgment than in mercy, and that this will be an 
eventful year to the inhabitants of this place. In the 
course of my stay here I have written more than 
three hundred pages on subjects interesting to the 
society and connection. 

OaJ "If They Could Hear Me Think." 

Thursday, 10. I crossed W.'s ferry. The point on 
the south side is washed like a beach and the house 



1796.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 345 

swept away by the late freshets. I saw how the 
flood had plowed up the street of Augusta. I walked 
over the ruins for nearly two miles, viewing the deep 
gulfs in the main street. I suppose they would 
crucify me if I were to tell them it is the African 
flood; but if they could hear me think they would 
discover this to be my sentiment. I was honored 
with the church to preach in, where I had about four 
hundred respectable hearers. I have delivered my 
own soul, it maybe once for all. I have ridden about 
one hundred and ninety miles from Charleston into 
Georgia. I have attended four meetings, and have 
not had, in all, above six hundred hearers. 

S, 0.] Asbury a Friend of Learning. 

Tuesday, 29. I held forth about an hour and a half 
on Acts hi, 26. We set out again about two o'clock, 
and had to ride for our dinner only twenty miles. We 
crossed Muddy and Lick Creeks, Little and Great 
Bush Rivers. These afforded bodies of excellent land. 

Wednesday, 30. We had a meeting of the trustees 
of Bethel school, and it was agreed it should be a 
free school, and that only the English tongue and the 
sciences should be taught. I drew up an address on 
behalf of the school in order to raise three hundred 
dollars per annum to support a president teacher. I 
dined with my unshaken friend, W. P., an Israelite 
indeed. He hath all things richly to enjoy, and a 
good conscience also. He was formerly a traveling 
preacher among us, and labored for and with us 
nearly as long as he was able. The weather here is 
as warm as in the month of June to the north. I 
was so weary with the riding I could not sleep. 



346 Character and Career of [ l 79& 

Asbury's Wig ! 

Sunday, April 3. A 'multitude of sinners came 
together at W. S.'s. I feel myself still faint and 
feeble, and would not live always. 

Monday, 4. I crossed Fair Forest, and came to 
J. G.'s, where I had to stop and rest. Since I came 
into South Carolina I have ridden through New- 
bury, Spartansburg, Union, and Lawrence counties. 
There is a general complaint of the want of corn in 
these parts ; and no wonder, when we consider the 
great storm which they have had, and the number of 
stills in the country. The people here drink their 
bread as well as eat it. I am so very poorly in body 
that close study injures me. I crossed Lawson Fork 
at the high shoals a little below the Beauty Spot. I 
could not but admire the curiosity of the people — my 
wig was as great a subject of speculation as some 
wonderful animal from Africa or India would have 
been. I had about one hundred people at the 
meeting-house. Some came to look at and others 
to hear me. We must needs go off without any din- 
ner, intending to ride nearly forty miles to Father 
Moore's, in Rutherford county, (N. C.) After Broth- 
er M. and myself had preached we crossed the Cow 
Pens, where Morgan and Tarlton had their fray. 
We made it nearly twenty-five miles to the Upper 
Island ford, on the main Broad River, and after trav- 
eling until seven o'clock at night were glad to stop at 
Brother S.'s, ten miles short of the place we intended 
to reach when we set out. 
N. C.l A Mountain Wedding. 

Thursday, 14. We took our departure from John's 
River, up the branches of Catawba. On our way we 



1796.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 347 

met with a half dozen living creatures, like men and 
women, who seemed quite pleased with their mount- 
ain wedding. They were under the whip, riding two 
and two as if they would break their necks. One 
had a white cloth like a flag, and the other a silk 
handkerchief. When they had spent their fire they 
called at a still-house to prime again. I ascended 
about one mile up a mountain, and came to M. 
Davenport's. Here I felt deep dejection of mind as 
well as great weakness of body, and as if I could lie 
down and die, owing, in some measure, I presume, 
to the great fatigue I underwent in ascending the 
mountain, which was very steep. 

Tenn.] Conference— Parting with the Preachers. 

Monday, 18. I rested at D.'s ; my body very feeble, 
and mind under exceeding dejection with imaginary 
and real evils. 

Tuesday 9 19. This evening the preachers came in 
from Kentucky and Cumberland. 

Wednesday, 20. Our conference began in great 
peace, and thus it ended. We had only one preacher 
for each circuit in Kentucky, and one for Green circuit 
in Tennessee. Myself being weak, and my horse 
still weaker, I judged it impracticable to attempt 
going through the wilderness to Kentucky, and have 
concluded to visit Nolachucky. I wrote an apology 
to the brethren in Kentucky for my not coming, and 
informed them of the case. 

Monday y 25. On the banks of Nolachucky I parted 
with our dear suffering brethren going through the 
howling wilderness. I feel happy in God. Sinners 
appear to be hardened, and professors cold. The 



348 Character and Career of [ 1 796. 

preachers, although young men, appear to be solemn 
and devoted to God, and doubtless are men who may 
be depended upon. 

U. 0.] The Workmen Palling in Death. 

Sunday, May 1. We came to Acuff 's chapel. I 
found the family sorrowful and weeping on account of 
the death of Francis Acuff, who from a fiddler be- 
came a Christian ; from a Christian, a preacher ; and 
from a preacher, I trust, a glorified saint. He died 
in the work of the Lord in Kentucky. I found my- 
self assisted in preaching on Ephes. ii, 1, 2. The house 
was crowded, and I trust they did not come together 
in vain. I was somewhat alarmed at the sudden 
death of Reuben Ellis, who had been in the ministry 
upward of twenty years — a faithful man of God, of 
slow but very solid parts. He was an excellent 
counselor, and steady yoke-fellow in Jesus. My mind 
is variously exercised as to future events — whether it 
is my duty to continue to bear the burden I now bear, 
or whether I had not better retire to some other 
land. 

Va.] "I Expect a Grown." 

Saturday, 7. I escaped from Abingdon as out of a 
prison, and rode to Clinch. I passed by Mr. Cum- 
mings's. He hath not labored for naught. Few 
men have a better house or plantation, but his plea 
is, " He put his life in his hand ; " and so have I every 
time I have crossed the wilderness and mountains. I 
expect a crown for my services. Were I to charge 
the people on the western waters for my services I 
should take their roads, rocks, and mountains into the 
account, and rate my labors at a very high price. 



1796.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 349 

We crossed North Holstein and came to D.'s, six- 
teen miles, where we had a congregation of about two 
hundred people. 

Indian Barbarities— A Thrilling Narrative. 

Monday, 9. I hobbled over the ridge, through the 
capital part of Russell county, sixteen miles to B.'s. 
These people have lived in peace ever since the 
death of Ben, the half-blooded Indian warrior, who 
was shot through the head while carrying off two 
women. He was a dreadful wicked wretch, who, by- 
report, may have been the agent of death to nearly 
one hundred people in the wilderness and on Rus- 
sell. Here I preached to a few insensible people, 
and had time to read, write, and sleep in quiet. 
Yesterday our prayers were requested on behalf of 
F. D. This day in the evening Brother K. was called 
upon to perform her funeral solemnities. Perhaps 
she has been as great a female sufferer as I have 
heard of. The following account, in substance, was 
taken from her own mouth, some time ago, by J. 
Kobler, who performed her funeral rites. 

Her maiden name was Dickenson. She was mar- 
ried to a Mr. Scott, and lived in Powell's Valley, at 
which time the Indians were very troublesome, often 
killing and plundering the inhabitants. On a certain 
evening, her husband and children being in bed, 
eight or nine Indians rushed into the house. Her 
husband being alarmed started up, when all that had 
guns fired at him. Although he was badly wounded 
he broke through them all and got out of the house. 
Several of them closely pursued him, and put an end 
to his life. They then murdered and scalped all her 



35° Character and Career of [ l 79& 

children before her eyes, plundered her house, and 
took her prisoner. The remainder of the night they 
spent around a fire in the woods, drinking, shouting, 
and dancing. The next day they divided the plunder 
with great equality. Among the rest of the goods was 
one of Mr. Wesley's hymn-books. She asked them 
for it, and they gave it to her ; but when they saw 
her often reading therein they were displeased, called 
her a conjurer, and took it from her. After this 
they traveled several days' journey toward the Indian 
towns ; but, said she, my grief was so great I could 
hardly believe my situation was a reality, but thought 
I dreamed. To aggravate my grief one of the Indians 
hung my husband's and my children's scalps to his 
back, and would walk the next before me. In walk- 
ing up and down the hills and mountains I was worn 
out with fatigue and sorrow. They would often 
laugh when they saw me almost spent, and mimic my 
panting for breath. There was one Indian who was 
more humane than the rest. He would get me water, 
and make the others stop when I wanted to rest. 
Thus they carried me on eleven days' journey, until 
they were all greatly distressed with hunger. They 
then committed me to the care of an old Indian at 
the camp, while they went off hunting. 

While the old man was busily employed in dress- 
ing a deer-skin, I walked backward and forward 
through the woods, until I observed he took no notice 
of me. I then slipped off, and ran a considerable 
distance and came to a cane-brake, where I hid my- 
self very securely. Through most of the night I 
heard the Indians searching for me, and answering 
each other with a voice like that of an owl. Thus 



1796.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 351 

was I left alone in the savage wilderness, far from 
any inhabitants, without a morsel of food, or any 
kind of help but the common Saviour and friend 
of all. To him I poured out my complaint in fervent 
prayer that he would not forsake me in this distress- 
ing circumstance. I then set out the course that I 
thought Kentucky lay, though with very little ex- 
pectation of seeing a human face again, except that 
of the savages, whom I looked upon as so many 
fiends from the bottomless pit, and my greatest dread 
was that of meeting some of them while wandering 
in the wilderness. 

One day as I was traveling I heard a loud human 
voice, and a prodigious noise, like horses running. I 
ran into a safe place and hid myself, and saw a com- 
pany of Indians pass by, furiously driving a gang of 
horses which they had stolen from the white people. 
I had nothing to subsist upon but roots, young grape- 
vines, and sweet-cane, and such like produce of the 
woods. I accidentally came where a bear was eating 
a deer, and drew near in hopes of getting some ; but 
he growled and looked angry, so I left him, and 
quickly passed on. At night when I lay down to 
rest I never slept, but I dreamed of eating. In my 
lonesome travels I came to a very large shelving 
rock, under which was a fine bed of leaves. I crept 
in among them, and determined there to end my 
days of sorrow. I lay there several hours, until my 
bones ached in so distressing a manner that I was 
obliged to stir out again. I then thought of and 
wished for home, and traveled on several days, till I 
came where Cumberland River breaks through the 
mountain. 



35 2 Character and Career of [ r 79^. 

I went down the cliffs a considerable distance until I 
was affrighted, and made an attempt to go back, but 
found the place down which I had gone was so steep 
that I could not return. I then saw but one way 
that I could go, which was a considerable perpendic- 
ular distance down to the bank of the river. I took 
hold of the top of a little bush, and for half an hour 
prayed fervently to God for assistance. I then let 
myself down by the little bush until it broke, and I 
went with great violence down to the bottom. This 
was early i* the morning, and I lay there a consider- 
able time, with a determination to go no further. 
About ten o'clock I grew so thirsty that I concluded 
to crawl to the water and drink, after which I found 
I could walk. The place I came through, as I have 
been since informed, is only two miles, and I was 
four days in getting through it. I traveled on until 
I came to a little path, one end of which led to the 
inhabitants, and the other to the wilderness. I knew 
not which end of the path to take. After standing 
and praying to the Lord for direction, I turned to 
take the end that led to the wilderness. Immediately 
there came a little bird of a dove-color near to my 
feet, and fluttered along the path that led to the in- 
habitants. I did not observe this much at first, until 
it did it a second or third time. I then understood 
this as a direction of Providence, and took the path 
which led me to the inhabitants. Immediately after 
her safe arrival she embraced religion, and lived and 
died an humble follower of Christ. 

Tenn.] " Ah, If I were Young Again ! " 

Friday, 20. We rode forty miles to Indian Creek, 
about fifteen miles above the mouth. We had no 



1796.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated, 353 

place to dine until we arrived at Father C.'s about six 
o'clock. If I could have regular food and sleep I 
could stand the fatigue I have to go through much 
better. But this is impossible under some circum- 
stances. To sleep four hours, and ride forty miles 
without food or fire, is hard, but we had water enough 
in the rivers and creeks. I shall have ridden nearly 
one thousand miles on the western waters before I 
leave them. I have been on the waters of Nola- 
chucky to the mouth of Clinch ; on the north, middle 
and south branches of Holstein ; on New River, 
Green Brier, and by the head springs of Mononga- 
hela. If I were able I should go from Charleston, 
(S. C.,) a direct course, five hundred miles to Nola- 
chucky ; thence two hundred and fifty miles to Cum- 
berland ; thence one hundred to Kentucky ; thence 
one hundred miles through that State, and two hun- 
dred to Saltsburg ; thence two hundred to Green 
Brier; thence two hundred to Red Stone, and three 
hundred to Baltimore. Ah, if I were young again ! 
I was happy to have a comfortable night's sleep 
after a hard day's ride, and but little rest the night 
before. I have now a little time to refit, recollect, 
and write. Here forts and savages once had a being, 
but now peace and improvement. 

Monday, 23. I rode to Rehoboth chapel, in the sinks 
of Green Brier, where we held conference with a few 
preachers. Here I delivered two discourses. Thurs- 
day, crossed Green Brier River, and had to pass 
along a crooked and dangerous path to Benton's. 

My mind is in peace. 

23 



354 Character and Career of [ l 79^- 

Pa.] Conference at Uniontown. 

Saturday \ yune n. I rode to Uniontown, and 
after a solemn meeting I sat in conference with the 
preachers. 

Monday, 13. We left Uniontown and rode about 
thirty-five miles and the next day forty-five to J. F.'s. 

Md,] A Eeview. 

Tuesday, 21. I preached in Fredericktown at ten 
o'clock and at Libertytown at five o'clock. 

Wednesday, 22. I had some life at the new meet- 
ing-house on the Ridge. I borrowed a horse to ride 
nine miles, and then made out to get to Baltimore. O 
what times are here ! The academy is crowded ; they 
have five teachers and nearly two hundred scholars. 
I will now take a view of my journey for some months 
past. From the best judgment I can form the dis- 
tance is as follows : from Baltimore to Charleston, 
(S. C.,) one thousand miles ; thence up the State of 
South Carolina two hundred miles ; from the center 
to the west of Georgia two hundred miles ; through 
North Carolina one hundred miles ; through the State 
of Tennessee one hundred miles ; through the west 
of Virginia three hundred miles ; through Pennsyl- 
vania and the west of Maryland, and down to Balti- 
more, four hundred miles. I was employed in town 
as usual in preaching and meeting classes, etc. I 
continued in -town until Thursday, 30, and then set 
off and came in the evening to Esquire G/s, our 
ancient lodging, and was received with their usual 
kindness. 



1796.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 355 

Large Congregations in Delaware. 

Monday, July 1 1. We came to Snow Hill on Poco- 
moke River. I called on the weeping Widow Bowen, 
whose late husband, after being the principal in build- 
ing a house for divine worship, died in peace. Here 
I met about one thousand people. Being unable to 
command the congregation from the pulpit, I stood in 
one of the doors, and preached to those who were out 
of the house. 

Tuesday, 19. We rode forty miles to Lewistown. We 
stopped to dine near H.'s grand mill-seat. My spirits 
of late keep up greatly, not being subject to depres- 
sion as heretofore. It cleared away about noon, and 
gave us the opportunity of riding two miles out of 
Lewistown, after preaching to the brethren and the 
Africans. I dined with Mr. Shanklin, whose house 
was the first that was opened to me in this place. 
We then urged our way up the county, and escaped 
the rain until we came within two miles of Milford. 
It then poured down heavily, and we came in dripping 
about eight o'clock. 

Friday, 22. We had a living love-feast. Many 
opened their mouths, but spoke too much of what 
was past. We had an exceeding great company, to 
whom I preached on Isaiah lxii, 12. The two follow- 
ing days, Saturday and Sunday, I attended Dover 
quarterly meeting, where I suppose we had nearly 
two thousand people. It was a living, open season. 
There was great sweetness and love among the 
brethren. 



356 Character and Career of [i 796. 

Pa.] Asbury Originates a Fund for the Support of the Ministry. 

Sunday, 31. I had some life and more liberty at 
Ebenezer in the morning at five o'clock. I must 
needs attend the second African church ; and at 
half past seven o'clock, in the great unwieldy house 
and congregation in Fourth street, I preached on 
John i, 17. 

Monday, August 1. I drew the outlines of a sub- 
scription, that may form a part of a constitution of a 
general fund, for the sole purpose of supporting the 
traveling ministry. To have respect, 

1. To the single men that suffer and are in want. 

2. To the married traveling preachers. 

3. To the worn-out preachers. 

4. To the widows and orphans of those who have 
lived and died in»the work. And 

5. To enable the yearly conference to employ more 
married men ; and, finally, to supply the wants of all 
the traveling preachers, under certain regulations and 
restrictions, as the state of the fund will admit. 

Friday, 5. Having concluded on the presentation 
of the subscription, I hasted with it from house to 
house. 

U, J.] Laying a Corner-Stone near Schooley's Mountain. 

Tuesday, 9. We made our way twenty-five miles 
to Brother M'Collough's, near Schooley's mountain, 
properly a remnant of the Blue Ridge. After a good 
meeting at Brother M'C.'s we went to lay the foun- 
dation of a new meeting-house. We sang part of 
Dr. Watts's hymn on " The Corner-Stone," and prayed. 
I then had to lend a hand to lay the mighty corner- 
stone of the house. We then sung and prayed, and 



1796.] Bishop As bury Illustrated. 357 

retired to Brother Budd's, an Israelite indeed, my 
never-failing friend in time, and I hope will be to all 
eternity. 

Wednesday, 10. I thought it good not to be idle, so 
I went to Hackettstown and preached on " The prom- 
ise is to you and to your children," etc. We had few 
people, but a feeling, serious time. Thence we rode 
to Dover, where we had many people at a short warn- 
ing. I admired the solemnity of the women ; the 
men appeared to be outdone with the heat and labors 
of the day. 

N. T.] Asbury Preaches Three Times, and Meets Six Glasses 
in One Day. 

Sunday, 28. I preached in the morning in John- 
street, in the afternoon at the new church on Heb. 
ii, 3, and in the evening at the old church again on 
Rev. hi, 2, 3, besides meeting six classes in the course 
of the day. In general I have had no extraordinary 
assistance in preaching of late. Brother L. preached 
twice in the north end of Broadway ; the congrega- 
tion appeared serious and attentive. Notwithstand- 
ing the labors of the day were considerable, I was not 
much wearied. In meeting the society I observed 
to them that they knew but little of my life and la- 
bors, unless in the pulpit, family, or class meetings ; 
that they were unacquainted with my labors even in 
that city, much less could they tell where I had been, 
and what I had been doing for one year. 

Definition of Heresy and Schism. 
Wednesday, 31. I had a meeting with the leaders 
in close conference, and found it necessary to explain 
some parts of our discipline to them, particularly that 



358 Character and Career of [1796. 

of the right of preachers to expel members when 
tried before the society or a "select number," and 
found guilty of a breach of the law of God and our 
rules ; and if an appeal were made, it should be 
brought before the quarterly-meeting conference, 
composed of traveling and local preachers, leaders, 
and stewards, and finally be determined by a majority 
of votes. I found it also needful to observe there 
was such a thing as heresy in the Church ; and I 
know not what it is if it be not to deny the Lord that 
bought them, and the eternity of the punishment of 
the damned, as is virtually done by the Universalists. 
Schism is not dividing hypocrites from hypocrites, for- 
mal professors from people of their own caste ; it is not 
dividing nominal Episcopalians from each other, nom- 
inal Methodists from nominal Methodists, or nominal 
Quakers from nominal Quakers, etc. But schism is 
the dividing real Christians from each other, and 
breaking the unity of the Spirit. I met the trustees, 
and after going hither and thither, and being much 
spent with labor through the day, I gave them a dis- 
course at the new house (in the evening) on Acts 
xx, 32. My attempt was feeble but faithful. 

Oonn,] Old Haddam. 

Monday, September 12. I came to Old Haddam. 
Here they have built a new meeting-house, and there 
are some gracious souls here. I sensibly felt the ef- 
fects of heat and the labors of the day. We made 
it fifteen miles to Father Wilcox's. I conclude that 
since I have left New York I have ridden about one 
hundred and forty miles, and a great part of the way 
is rough and rocky ; my body is full of infirmities, 



1796.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 359 

and my soul of the love of God. I think that God 
is returning to this place, and that great days will 
yet come on in New England. 

A Conference of Thirty Preachers. 

Monday, 19. We rode through Windham, Scotland, 
and Abingdon. After dining at Captain P.\s we rode 
on to Thompson ; a few of the preachers were present, 
and we were able to form a conference. That evening 
and the next morning, Tuesday, 20, and Wednesday, 21, 
we were closely employed ; we had about thirty preach- 
ers, some of whom were from the Province of Maine, 
three hundred miles distant, who gave us a pleasing 
relation of the work of God in those parts. I deliv- 
ered a discourse on Acts xxvi, 18, 19, and we ordained 
seven deacons and five elders. About four o'clock I 
took my leave of town, and stopped at Eastford and 
saw Father , a solemn saint, lamenting the de- 
cline of religion among the Baptists. 

H". T.] Asbury Preaches with Deep Emotion. 

Sunday, October 2. I preached at the house in 
John-street on Eph. iv, 11-13, and had great enlarge- 
ment ; the feelings of the people were touched, and 
my own also, as if it had been the last time, as it 
probably may be with some of my hearers if not 
myself. I could not have been much more moved ; it 
was with difficulty I could continue speaking. In 
the afternoon, at the new house, there was also a 
move in the congregation while I enlarged on 1 Cor. 
iv. 10, 11. I ordained in both houses, in all, eight 
deacons and seven elders, and was on my feet six* 
hours in the course of this day. 



360 Character and Career of [ l 79^ 

B". J,] Weary and Unwell, yet Cheerful. 

Tuesday, 4. We came to the Ferry, and after be- 
ing detained about an hour we made out to get a 
passage. Here we met with the preachers who had 
been retarded in their journey by the late storm. I 
pushed along, weary and unwell, to Brother Hutchin- 
son's, and next day, faint, though cheerful, we reached 
Burlington. 

Thursday, 6. We reached Philadelphia about noon. 
My mind is in peace, but my body and spirits fail. 

Pa.] " Great Love and Great Biches." 

Monday, 10. We opened a conference of between 
forty and fifty preachers. We had great love and great 
riches also. Never before have we been able to pay 
the preachers their salaries, but at this conference 
we have done it, and had two hundred dollars left for 
debts and difficulties the preachers had been in- 
volved in. 

Del.] Asbury Seldom Travels on the Sabbath. 

Saturday, 15. We dined at Chester with my dear 
old friend, M. Whitby, and came in the evening to 
Wilmington. 

Sabbath Day, 16. The morning was rainy, but we 
had a few serious people to whom I preached on Rev. 
ii, 1-7. My soul enjoys sweet peace. Being in haste 
to get to Baltimore, we rode on the Sabbath afternoon 
to my old friend S. Heansey's ; of this I am not fond, 
and where necessity does not compel me, rarely do it. 
I turned out of the way on Mortday to preach at 
Bethel, in the place of Dr. Coke ; my subject was, 
" Let us labor to enter into that rest, lest any man 



1796.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 361 

fall after the same example of unbelief." It was a 
happy season. In the course of the day I rode 
thirty-five miles and lodged at North East. 

Md.] General Conference of 1796. 

Wednesday, 19. We came to Baltimore, where 
about a hundred preachers were met for general con- 
ference. They agreed to a committee, and then com- 
plained ; upon which we dissolved ourselves. I 
preached on " The men of Issachar that knew what 
Israel ought to do ; " and again on " Neither as be- 
ing lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples 
to the flock." There were souls awakened and con- 
verted. No angry passions were felt among the 
preachers ; we had a great deal of good and judicious 
talk. The conference rose on Thursday, the 3d of 
November ; what we have done is printed. Bishop 
Coke was cordially received as my friend and col- 
league, to be wholly for America, unless a way should 
be opened to France. At this conference there was 
a stroke aimed at the president eldership. I am 
thankful that our session is over. My soul and body 
have health, and have hard labor. Brother What- 
coat is going to the south of Virginia, Brother M' Gas- 
key is going to New Jersey, Brother Ware to Penn- 
sylvania, and Brother Hutchinson to New York and 
Connecticut. Very great and good changes have 
taken place. 

Va.] Coke, Whatcoat, and Asbury. 

Saturday, November 5. We rode twenty miles, and 
on Sabbath morning we came directly to Alexandria. 
Doctor Coke preached on " The wise men that came 
to Jesus." Brother Whatcoat and myself exhorted. 



362 Character and Career of [ l 79^> 

Eejeoting Mr, Wesley— Asbury's Statement. 
Monday, 28. We crossed a small ferry, and came 
through Suffolk to Brother Jolliff 's, twenty-two miles. 
I had solemn thoughts while I passed the house 
where Robert Williams lived and died, whose funeral 
rites I performed. The weather is remarkably cold 
for the season, the ice being more than an inch thick 
on the streams. I was amazed to hear that my dear 
aged friend, Benjamin Evans, (now gone to glory,) 
was converted to the new side by being told by J. 
O'Kelly that I had offended Mr. Wesley, and that he 
being about calling me to account, I cast him off al- 
together. But, query, did not J. O'K, set aside the 
appointment of Richard Whatcoat ? and did not the 
conference in Baltimore strike that minute out of our 
discipline which was called a rejecting of Mr. Wesley? 
and now does J. O'K. lay all the blame on me ? It is 
true, I never approved of that binding minute. I did 
not think it practical expediency to obey Mr. Wesley, 
at three thousand miles distance, in all matters rela- 
tive to Church government ; neither did Brother 
Whatcoat, nor several others. At the first General 
Conference I was mute and modest when it passed, 
and I was mute when it was expunged. For this 
Mr. Wesley blamed me, and was displeased that I 
did not rather reject the whole connection, or leave 
them if they did not comply. But I could not give 
up the connection so easily, after laboring and suffer- 
ing so many years with and for them. After preach- 
ing at Jolliff 's we rode to Portsmouth, and preached 
in the evening, where we had many people at a short 
warning. My subjects this day were 1 John i, 3, 4, 
and Isa. i, 9. We visited Norfolk, and preached at 



1796.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 363 

noon, Wednesday, 30, on 1 Peter ii, 11, 12; at night 
on 1 Cor. xv, 58. 

"Noble Animal— Poor Slaves," 

Monday, December 19. We had to ride early; my 
horse trots stiff; and no wonder, when I have ridden 
him, upon an average, five thousand miles a year for 
five years successively. I preached on Heb. iii, 7, 8. 
I felt as if the Lord and his messengers had left this 
place. My spirit was grieved at the conduct of 
some Methodists that hire out slaves at public places 
to the highest bidder, to cut, skin, and starve them. 
I think such members ought to be dealt with. On the 
side of oppressors there are law and power, but where 
are justice and mercy to the poor slaves ? what eye 
will pity, what hand will help, or ear listen to their 
distress ? I will try if words can be like drawn 
swords, to pierce the hearts of the owners. 

S, 0.] Serious News from Baltimore. 

Friday, 30. We set out in the rain, crossed Santee, 
(we had a quick passage for once,) and rode about 
fifty miles, and came to Brother Jackson's about nine 
o'clock. Here our rapid march was ended ; I rested 
two days. Serious news from Baltimore — the acad- 
emy, and our church in Light-street, with Brother 
Hawkins's elegant house, all destroyed by fire ! The 
loss we sustain in the college, academy, and church 
I estimate from fifteen to twenty thousand pounds. 
It affected my mind ; but I concluded God loveth the 
people of Baltimore, and he will keep them poor to 
make them pure ; and it will be for the humiliation 
of the societv. 



364 Character and Career of [ J 797- 

Asbury's Depression of Spirits Constitutional, 
Sunday and Monday ', January 29, 30, 1797. I 
consulted a physician, who judged my disease to be 
an intermittent fever, and such it proved itself. On 
Tuesday ', 31, I was taken about two o'clock with a 
powerful ague, which held me till nearly nine o'clock. 
I presume it has been working for two weeks. I 
probably took it by going out at the death of Brother 
Wells. Wednesday, February 1, I took the powders 
of Columbo after the bilious pills. Thursday ', 2, my 
fever did not return. Friday, 3. Growing better, I 
had serious thoughts about going home to God. Of 
late I have been kept uncommonly happy. I am sol- 
emnly given up to God, and have been for many 
months willing to live or die in, for, and with Jesus. 

"The Pain of Parting." 
Friday, 10. This day Dr. Coke is waiting to sail for 
Ireland. Strangers to the delicacies of Christian 
friendship know little or nothing of the pain of part- 
ing. Glad tidings of great joy from New York. A 
second glorious work is begun there, twenty souls 
converted, a great love-feast, and Sabbath evening 
meeting held until one o'clock in the morning. This 
news hath given a spring to us in this city. 

Church Building in Charleston. 
Tuesday, 14. I met the stewards on the subject of 
the new house. We have adjourned on the question. 
If materials fall in their price, and we can secure 
^400, shall we begin ? O we of little faith ! It is a 
doubt if we had fifty in society, and ;£ioo on hand, 
when we laid the foundation-stone of Cumberland- 



1797-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 365 

street house, which cost us (including the lot) ^1,300. 
The society has been rent in twain, and yet we have 
wrought out of debt, and paid ^100 for two new lots, 
and we can spare ;£ioo from the stock, make a sub- 
scription of ^150, and the Africans will collect ^100. 

Generosity of a Poor Black. 

Tuesday, 21. My mind has been greatly afflicted, 
so that my sleep has been much interrupted, yet 
there was a balm for this : a poor black, sixty years 
of age, who supports herself by picking oakum and 
the charity of her friends, brought me a French 
crown, and said she had been distressed on my ac- 
count, and I must have her money. But no ! although 
I have not three dollars to travel two thousand miles, 
I will not take money from the poor. I am very un- 
well, my soul and body is distressed ; ah ! that such 
trifles should affect me. I have read four books of 
Moses critically. 

"Hail, Te Solitary Pines!" 
Monday, 27. I felt a fever, yet rejoiced to leave 
Charleston. Many came to see me. I have per- 
suaded one person to give up the use of what I feared 
would be her ruin : she promised she would ; if so, all 
will be well. On my way I felt as if I was let out of 
prison. Hail, ye solitary pines ! the jessamine, the 
redbud, and dogwood ! how charming in full bloom ! 
the former a most fragrant smell. We reached 
Monk's Corner, and were most agreeably entertained 
at Mr. Jones's. We came on the next day, and had 
but hard fare till we reached Nelson's ferry. It being 
a rainy day, the gentlemen were regaling themselves 



366 Character and Career of l l 797- 

with cards. Blunt Frank Asbury asked for dinner, 
but told them he could not dine upon cards. The 
cards were very politely put away, and every neces- 
sary mark of attention paid. Mr. Gurdine, who com- 
mands several ferries on the river, is a complete gen- 
tleman. We came off in the rain, and it fell very 
freely. Through the swamp we had deep wading, 
and steeped our feet. We wrought along as night 
came on, and after riding four miles in the dark, dirt, 
and rain we came to the Widow Bowman's, where I 
found shelter and was kindly entertained. Her hus- 
band was a godly, gracious man, and died in the Lord 
some years ago. 

U. CU Asbury Preaches Sitting. 

Sunday, March 1 2. We were at Daniel Asbury's. 
My leg was inflamed by riding, and I found it neces- 
sary to poultice it. I sat down and taught the people 
on " He that cometh to God must believe that he is, 
and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek 
him." We had a living meeting in the evening ; some 
souls were greatly blessed. 

Crossing Toe Eiver, 
Friday, 24. I was unwell ; the clouds were lower- 
ing. We had ridden but a mile when the rain began. 
Brother Jones's house was at hand. Here we stopped 
two hours, until some of the rain fell to the earth. 
There was a short cessation, and about half-past 
twelve o'clock we set out again, rode six miles, and 
were driven into Mr. Cook's by thunder, hail, and 
rain. Here we stopped to talk with God and man. 
Hard necessity made us move forward ; the western 
branch of Toe River, that, comes down from the Yel- 



1 797-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 367 

low Mountain, was rapidly filling, and was rocky, 
rolling, and roaring like the sea, and we were com- 
pelled to cross it several times. When we came to 
ascend the mountain we had & skirmish of rain, 
thunder, and lightning — it was distant — it was mercy. 
I found hard work to ride where Thomas White had 
driven his wagon, for which he deserves a place in 
my journal and a premium from the State. When 
we had ascended the summit of the mountain we 
found it so rich and miry that it was with great diffi- 
culty we could ride along ; but I was wrapped up in 
heavy, wet garments, and unable to walk through 
weakness of body, so we had it, pitch, slide, and 
drive to the bottom. We then came upon the drains 
and branches of Great Toe River. From Fisher's we 
had to ride through what I called the shades of death y 
four miles to Millers. Here we had to cope with 
Toe River, and near the house came into deep water. 
My horse drove to the opposite bank above the land- 
ing and locked one of his feet in a root, or something 
like it, but freed himself. At last we made the house ; 
the people received us kindly, and gave us such 
things as they had. We could only partially dry our 
garments. 

Tenn.1 "Live or Die, I Must Eide," 

Wednesday, 29. I rode to William Nelson's and 
after dinner to Nathan Davies's. Thursday morning 
I was very weak, and have slow, but almost continual 
fevers. I preached with great difficulty in the after- 
noon, and returned to William Nelson's. This night 
I felt a total change of mind. The weakness of my 
body, and the cold and unsettled state of the weather, 
made me, with the general advice of the preachers 



368 Character and Career of [ l 797- 

present, give up the cause ; they also advised me to 
make the best of my way to Baltimore, and not to 
ride in the rain. It may be the Lord intends to lead 
me in a way I have not yet known ; it is perhaps 
best that I should go with all expedient haste from 
conference to conference, only stopping at the towns 
and chief places on Sabbath days. Live or die, I 
must ride. After all the disappointments, perhaps 
every purpose is answered but one. I have sent 
Brother Cobler to take charge of Kentucky and Cum- 
berland, by visiting the whole every quarter ; Brother 
Bird I have stationed in the Holstein district. I have 
written a circumstantial letter to Brother Poythress 
and the Kentucky Conference. I have made a plan 
for the stationing of the preachers, at least those of 
any standing, and now I will make the best of my 
way to Baltimore ; perhaps there maybe some special 
call for me there. I must, as the burden of meeting 
the conferences, ordaining, and stationing the preach- 
ers resteth on me, save myself. I am peculiarly con- 
cerned for the cities ; the prosperity of the work of 
God depends much on having proper men for any 
and every part of the work. 

Va,] A List of Sympathizing Friends. 

April 10. My fever never left me, as I thought, from 
Monday until Friday night. I am kept cheerful, but 
very weak. My diet is chiefly tea, potatoes, Indian- 
meal gruel, and chicken broth. My reading is only 
the Bible ; I cannot think much, and only write a few 
letters. I think of my charge, of the conferences, 
and the Church, and of my dear parents, who will 
probably outlive me. I must be made perfect through 



1 797.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 369 

sufferings. I rest in rainy weather, and have to ride 
from eighty to one hundred and twenty miles in a 
week. The way we now go we have sometimes to 
ride thirty miles to get to a house. From the gt/i 
of April to the 2jtk of May I have kept no journal. 
The notes of our travels and troubles taken by Jona- 
than Bird and Joshua Wells will tell a small part of 
my sorrows and sufferings. I have traveled about 
six hundred miles, with inflammatory fever and fixed 
pain in my breast. I cannot help expressing the dis- 
tinguishing kindness of some families where I have 
been forced by weakness to stop — Captain Shannon, 
on Walker's creek ; my friend Scarborough, on the 
sinks of Green Brier ; Colonel Moffat and Brother 
Young, in Augusta; neither can I forget Mr. Lee 
and Mr. Moore ; the Harrisons, at Rocktovvn, and 
Brother and Sister M'Williams ; Sisters Phelps and 
Reed, in Winchester, and my dear, kind friend, Doc- 
ton Tiffin. By a strange providence I was cast upon 
Ely Dorsey, on Linganore, who nursed me as if I had 
been his own father. 

Md.] "A Worthless Lump of Misery and Sin." 

From the 27th of May until June 10, no journal. 
We rode nearly forty miles from Linganore to Balti- 
more. I lodged at Brother Hawkins's retreat, about 
one mile from the city. I lounged away a week in 
visiting a little. 

Sunday, June 18. I was only able to speak about 
fifteen minutes. I recover but slowly. The constant 
resort of the wealthy and poor visiting me made me 
much ashamed that they should look after such a 
worthless lump of misery and sin. 

24 



370 Character and Career of [ l 797- 

"My Bow is Weak if not Broken." 

Saturday, y%dy 8. I cannot now, as heretofore, 
spend ten hours out of sixteen in reading the Bible 
in English or Hebrew, or other books, or write letters 
from morning until night. My bow is weak if not 
broken ; but I have more time to speak to God and 
souls. Sabbath day I performed at Mr. Gough's 
alone. 

Pa.] Asbury Cannot be Inactive, 

Saturday, 15. Warm as it was I reached Philadel- 
phia, and Sabbath evening, 16, I felt free to labor a 
little, feeble as I was, and enlarged on John xiv, I. I 
have great reason to be thankful for my sulky ; I 
should soon be silent without it. I rode to German- 
town to see aged Mother Steel and Sister Lusby, 
and found freedom, although I could hardly walk or 
talk, yet must needs speak to the women of the 
house about their souls. Dined at Brother Baker's 
retreat, and came back to the city very sick and 
went to bed. 

K J.] A Living lire Kindled in New Brunswick. 

Monday, 24. We came to Brunswick, Dined, 
prayed, and rejoiced to hear that God had kindled a 
living fire here through the instrumentality of a 
brother from Elizabethtown. We came on to Eliza- 
bethtown, forty miles. It was ample labor for man 
and horse. Here I was sick again. 

Tuesday, 25. I rode to Newark, and dined with 
Mr. Ogden, a steady friend. After the rain I came 
to New York. Here I spent a few painful days, being 
unable to visit or be visited. 



1 797.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 371 

N. T.] Asbiuy at Mr. Sherwood's. 

On Monday I came to Shotwell's, very unwell, and 
the next day to Kingsbridge. Here I was compelled 
by affliction to spend two weeks. I then rode to 
New Rochelle, and lodged at Mr. Sherwood's. Find- 
ing myself swelling in the face, bowels, and feet, I 
applied leaves of burdock, and then a plaster of mus- 
tard, which drew a desperate blister. I had such 
awful sore feet I knew not but that they would 
mortify, and only after two weeks was I able to set 
them to the ground. I took cream of tartar and niter 
daily to cool and keep open the body. I also made 
use of the bark. 

"Awfully Dumb Sabbaths." 
Thursday, September 14. The kindness of this Sher- 
wood family is great — my dear Mamma and Betsy 
Sherwood, and Jonathan and Bishop also. If I had 
not been at home here, what additional distress of 
mind would have attended me ! My friends, also, 
were welcome to come and see me. Sabbath day, at 
the Widow Sherwood's, I had the pleasure of hearing 
our Brother Matthias make a pointed, profitable, and 
powerful discourse. It is now eight weeks since I 
have preached — awfully dumb Sabbaths! I have 
been most severely tried from various quarters ; my 
fevers, my feet, and Satan, would set in with my 
gloomy and nervous affections. Sometimes subject 
to the greatest effeminacy ; to distress at the thought 
of a useless, idle life. But what brought the heavy 
pang into my heart, and the big tear to roll that 
never rises without a cause, was the thought of leav- 
ing the connection without some proper men of their 



3 7 2 Character and Career of [ J 797- 

own election to go in and out before them in my place, 
and to keep that order which I have been seeking 
these many years to establish. 

Going Down into Egypt. 

Monday, 18. I felt strength of faith and body, as if 
I should be raised up again. I rode for recreation 
nine miles. O that my future life may be holiness 
to the Lord, prudent and exemplary to many ! I 
wished to speak to a poor African whom I saw in the 
field as I went out, and as I came along on my re- 
turn he was at a stone wall within eight or nine feet 
of me. Poor creature ! he seemed struck at my coun- 
sel, and gave me thanks. It was going down into 
the Egypt of South Carolina after those poor souls 
of Africans I have lost my health, if not my life, in 
the end. The will of the Lord be done ! 

Asbmy an American Bishop in Principle and Practice. 

Saturday, 23. I slept well last night, but waked 
with a slight fever. I received a letter from Dr. 
Coke. As I thought, so it is. He is gone from Ire- 
land to England, and will have work enough when he 
cometh there. The three grand divisions of that 
connection are alarming. It is a doubt if the Doctor 
cometh to America until spring, if at all until the 
General Conference. I am more than ever convinced 
of the propriety of the attempts I have made to bring 
forward Episcopal men. First, from the uncertain 
state of my health. Secondly, from a regard to the 
union and good order of the American body and the 
state of the European connection. I am sensibly as- 
sured the Americans ought to act as if they expected 



1 797-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 373 

to lose me every day, and had no dependence upon 
Doctor Coke, taking prudent care not to place them- 
selves at all under the controlling influence of British 
Methodists. 

Honorable Mention of Elijah Crawford. 
Monday, 25. The day was clear and very warm. I 
rode up to the Plains, and stopped at Elijah Craw- 
ford's. God hath honored this house. Two young 
men are gone into the ministry out of it. I have rid- 
den nearly twenty miles, and had it not been for the 
heat I should have done well. 

N. JJ Asbury Sick, but Traveling and Visiting Pamilies. 

Tuesday \ October 3. We rode thirty miles to Joseph 
Hutchinson's. I lament most of all that I have not 
lived in a constant state of prayer. I have had most 
deep and sore temptations of many kinds, such as I 
could have hardly thought of in health. I must be 
tried so as by fire. By reason of the fever in Phila- 
delphia our conference is moved to Duck Creek, in 
the State of Delaware. 

Wednesday ', 4. After the storm was over we moved 
on as far as Crosswick's, and lodged at Father Lov- 
ell's. I was weak in body, but comfortable in mind. 
I visited three families, called at Hancock's and saw 
my old friend of twenty-six years' membership. I 
came on to Burlington. Serious times still in Phila- 
delphia. 
Del.] Great Times at Duck Greek. 

Monday, 9. We came thirty-eight miles to Duck 
Creek. 

Tuesday, 10. We began conference. I appointed 



374 Character and Career of [ l 797- 

the president elders to take my seat, and I sat alone 
because the hand of the Lord was upon me. I 
was resolved to put out my strength to the last in 
preaching. My first subject was Isaiah i, 26-28, my 
second was on Luke xvii, 12, my third 2 Cor. xiii, 11. 
Great times. Preaching almost night and day. 
Some souls converted, and Christians were like a 
flame of fire. Eleven persons were set apart for 
elders' and three for deacons' orders. 

McU Baltimore Conference— All the Preachers Satisfied. 

Friday \ 20. After all the alarm we came to Balti- 
more. A blessed rain settled the amazing dust and 
purified the air. 

Saturday, 21. I opened conference, and gave up the 
presidency to the presiding elders. Returned unwell. 
Very uncomfortable easterly winds and rainy weather. 
I mentioned in my speech to the conference the weak- 
ness of the episcopacy. 

Friday, 27. The conference rose. There was great 
peace, and all the preachers but myself satisfied with 
their stations. 

Asbury Opens the New Church— (Light-street.) 

Sunday, 29. I opened the new church in Light- 
street with reading 2 Chron. vii, 12; Psalm cxxxii ; 
Haggai xi ; Mark xi. The elders read and prayed. 
My subject was Eph. ii, 19-22, and at Old Town I 
preached on 2 Sam. xvi, 17. I had to preach the 
funeral sermon of Father Gatch on 1 Thess. iv, 13, 14. 
I observed the pleasing, cheering, and charming man- 
ner in which the apostle described the death of the 
righteous. Sleep — sleep in Jesus ! a rest from labor, 



1 797.] Bishop Asbttry Illustrated. 375 

sorrow, affliction, and pain. Happy opening visions 
of God ! Secondly, The hope the pious who are 
alive have for their pious dead who have had experi- 
ence and long continuance in religion, and a comfort- 
able dying in the Lord. Those who have no hope 
for themselves nor their dead, how awful their sor- 
row! I feel myself very weak. I dined at Mr. 
Rogers's. 

VaJ Advised by the Conference to Eest, 

Friday, November 24. I visited my old friends and 
wrote to Alexander Mather. My route, which I only 
guessed at, is now fixed by Norfolk, Portsmouth, 
Newbern, Kingston, Georgetown, and Charleston, 
between five and six hundred miles in little more 
than a month. Sick or well, living or dead, my ap- 
pointments go on. 

Saturday, 25. The conference began their sitting 
at Lane's chapel. About sixty preachers were pres- 
ent. Nine or ten had located and four or five were 
added. Sabbath day, two hours were spent in speak 
ing of the circuits and for souls. 

Wednesday, 29. p At noon the conference rose ; the 
business was conducted with dispatch and in much 
peace. I desired the advice of the conference con- 
cerning my health. The answer was, that I should 
rest until the session of the conference to be held in 
April in Virginia. 

Asbury Declines to Eebaptiae. 

Thursday, December 14. My mind is grieved with 

the old sore in Virginia, but I must bear it patiently. 

One of our sisters asked me if we would not rebaptize 

persons that desired it. This put me to thinking 



376 Character and Career of I 1 79%- 

and revolving the subject in my mind. I considered 
that there was neither precept nor example in holy 
writ to justify our rebaptizing one who had been 
baptized in the name and form which Christ com- 
manded in Matt, xxviii, 19. 

Book List for 1798. 

Monday, January 8, 1798. I wrote a long letter to 
John Dickins upon the manner of expediting his 
books to the distant parts, namely, the Journals, Ser- 
mons, Saints' Rests, Patterns, Hymn Books, and that 
the Magazine should be our grand circulating me- 
dium. Only let us have more American Lives and 
Letters. 

Asbury Sever Idle. 

Saturday, 20. Very unwell. I am strangely brought 
down. Lord, let me suffer with patience : thy will be 
done ! I could not do any thing at my books, but, 
that I might not be wholly idle, I wound cotton 
brooches among the children. 

Sunday, 21. I sat at home reading a little. Mon- 
day, I am better. My fever is greatly broken. I can 
only write and meditate about an hour in a day. I 
must have some exercise, if it is only women's 
work. 

Importance of Astmry's Journal. 
Tuesday, February 6. My fever was very light last 
night. I received a most loving letter from the 
Charleston Conference. There is great peace and 
good prospects there. I hope to be able to move 
next week. I have well considered my journal : it is 
inelegant, yet it conveys much information of the 



I 798.] Bishop As bury Illustrated. 377 

state of religion and country. It is well suited to 
common readers ; the wise need it not. I make no 
doubt the Methodists are, and will be, a numerous 
and wealthy people, and their preachers who follow 
us will not know our struggles but by comparing the 
present improved state of the country with what it 
was in our days, as exhibited in my journal and other 
records of that day. 

Local Preachers— Their Eelation to Slavery. 

Sunday, March 18. I have visited four families in 
Brunswick and three in Dinwiddie counties. On 
Saturday I had a close conversation with some of 
our local ministry. We had great union. 

Sunday, 25. Since the last sacred day I have visited 
seven families. A friend of mine was inquisitive of 
my trade and apprenticeship, as Mr. Glendenning had 
reported. As he asked me so plainly, I told him 
that I counted it no reproach to have been taught to 
get my own living. My health is somewhat better. 
I am yet unable to read or write largely. I can pray 
and praise the Lord a little. I assisted Philip Sands 
to draw up an agreement for our officiary to sign 
against slavery. Thus we may know the real senti- 
ments of our local preachers. Some of our local 
preachers complain that they have not a seat in the 
general annual conference. We answer, if they will do 
the duty of a member of the yearly conference they 
may have the seat and privilege of the traveling line. 
The local preachers can receive fifty or a hundred 
dollars per year for marriages, but we travelers, if 
we receive a few dollars for marriages, must return 
them at the conference, or be called refractory or 



378 Character and Ca7'eer of \. l 79%- 

disobedient. Let us not have the grace of our Lord 
Jesus Christ with respect of persons in ministers any- 
more than in members, in local preachers any more 
than traveling ones. 

Md.] Half-yearly Conference at Baltimore. 

Monday, April 23. We reached Turners, and made 
a rapid ride to the city of Baltimore. I visited until 
the Sabbath, April 29. They would publish for me 
at Old Town meeting-house. I made an attempt on 
Psalm cxxxii, 9 : " Let thy priests be clothed with 
righteousness, and let thy saints shout for joy." I 
went to the Point and heard a sermon on " Speak 
evil of no man." I gave a short exhortation, and 
came home much more comfortable than I expected. 
Our beautiful house is not yet ready. I fear, I trem- 
ble in imagination, lest it should have more temporal 
than spiritual glory. 

Wednesday, May 2. Our conference began. It was 
half-yearly, to bring on an equality by the change 
from fall to spring. We had to correct the many of- 
fenses given at many conferences to one particular 
man. I pleased myself with the idea that I was out 
of the quarrel. But no ; I was deeper in than ever, 
and never was wounded in so deep a manner. It was 
as much as I could bear. I cannot stand such 
strokes. 

Pa.] Conference in Philadelphia— Trouble with City Societies. 

Saturday, June 9. Our conference began on Tues- 
day, and we were closely confined until this day. 

Sabbath, 10. I preached on Matt, xxiv, 45-47. We 
had close work, but good tempers abounded, and just 



1798.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 379 

measures were pursued. I made an attempt to ride 
to Germantown, but returned. And it was well I did, 
for I had no sooner discharged the fragments of the 
conference business, and the stationing of the preach- 
ers, than the affairs of the society came in sight re- 
specting the city. I have my difficulties with the 
government of the preachers, but I have some trouble 
with the city societies — they wish to have the con- 
nection drafted, and some of the most acceptable 
preachers to serve them. I made all haste to leave 
the city, but not until I had met the trustees of the 
Church. 

IT. J.] News of the Death of Asbury's Father, 

Wednesday, 13. We came to Hutchinson's, and on 
Thursday to Brunswick, where I bore my feeble tes- 
timony, and drew up a subscription for the purchase 
of a house for divine worship. On Friday we came 
to Elizabethtown, and on Saturday, 16th, to New 
York. Here I received the serious confirmation of 
the death of my father, aged eighty-four or eighty- 
five. 

H". Y.] The Parting Scene Twenty-seven Tears Ago. 

Sunday, 1 7. I preached in the new church on Eccles. 
i, 1. At the old church in John-street my text was 
1 Pet. iv, 10: "As good stewards of the manifold 
grace of God." I now feel myself an orphan with re- 
spect to my father. Wounded memory recalls to 
mind what took place when I parted with him nearly 
twenty-seven years next September — from a man 
that seldom, if ever, I saw weep ; but when I came to 
America, overwhelmed with tears, with grief, he cried 
out, " I shall never see him again ! " Thus by proph- 



380 Character and Career of l l 79%- 

ecy or by providence he hath spoken what is fulfilled 
For about thirty-nine years my father hath had the 
Gospel preached in his house. The particulars of his 
death are not yet come to hand. 

Children Dying— Eain Heeded. 

Sunday, yuly 1. At the old church I preached from 
Phil, iii, 18-20. At the north church, in the after- 
noon, on 1 Cor. ix, 2. I was much heated, and rather 
hurried in preaching. The weather is excessively 
warm. The children are dying, and probably so will 
the parents unless God send rain. I live wholly upon 
vegetables, and wear flannel 

Conn,] How Asbury was first Called Bishop, 

Thursday \ 19. At four o'clock Brother Lee gave a 
warm, encouraging sermon from 1 Cor. xv, 58. At 
the new meeting-house, (properly West Haddam,) 
where the Methodists are upon free principles, I 
added a few words, and then began our march to New 
London. We crossed Connecticut River at Chap- 
man's ferry. We came on without touching the 
ground sometimes, as the carriage would frequently 
jump from rock to rock. After riding about thirty- 
two miles we reached New London at eight o'clock. 
James O'Kelly hath told a tale of me which I think 
it my duty to tell better. He writes : " Francis 
ordered the preachers to entitle him bishop in direct- 
ing their letters." The secret and truth of the mat- 
ter was this. The preachers having had great diffi- 
culties about the appellation of the Rev. or Mr., that 
is, to call a man by one of the divine appellations, 
supposing Mr to be an abbreviation of Master, ("call 



1798.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 381 

no man master upon earth,") it was talked over in 
the yearly conference, for then we had no general 
conference established. So we concluded it would be 
by far the best to give each man his official title, as 
deacon, elder, and bishop. To this the majority 
agreed. James O'Kelly giveth all the good, the bad, 
and middling of all the order of our Church to me. 
What can.be the cause of all this ill-treatment which 
I receive from him ? Was it because I did not, I 
could not, settle him for life in the south district of' 
Virginia ? He was in this district for ten years, part 
of the time in the very best circuits in the district, 
and then in the district as presiding elder. 

E. I,] No Adequate Pay But Souls, 

Friday, August 3. Preached at Bristol ; my sub- 
ject, Luke xviii, 7. It was to me a serious, comfort- 
able time. What but the mighty power of God and 
the unceasing cries of his people can help us here ? 

Saturday, 4. We came through Warren, Swansey, 
Somerset, Dighton, and Taunton, thirty-two miles. 
The day was excessively warm ; and O ! rocks, hills, 
and stones! I was greatly outdone. No price can 
pay — there is no purchase for this day's hire but 
souls. We frequently spend a dollar per day to feed 
ourselves and horses. I never received, as I recol- 
lect, any personal beneficence — no not a farthing — in 
New England, and perhaps never shall, unless I 
should be totally out of cash. 

Mass.] Eeflections on Pestilence, 

Tuesday, 7. I rode twenty-two miles through heat 
and hunger to Boston. Here I spent one night very 
unwell in body, and with pains and pleasures of mind 



382 Character and Career of \_ l 79%- 

upon account of the preachers and people, who are 
ever in my thoughts. 

Wednesday, 8. I was advised to retire a few days 
to Waitham. There is affliction in Boston — the 
malignant fever. But who can tell the sick that are 
in the second or third house from his own in a town or 
city where it is needful to observe secrecy lest people 
should be frightened away from their homes, or the 
country people from bringing food ? O a social fam- 
ily, a comfortable table, pure air, and good water are 
blessings at Waitham ! 

WhitefieLTs Tomb, 

Monday y 13. We began our march to Lynn, in 
weakness of body and distress of mind. I gave a dis- 
course, late in the evening, on Heb. iv, 9, and that 
night I slept but little. On Tuesday we began our 
journey for the province of Maine. We passed 
through Danvers, Salem, Beverly, and thence to Ham- 
ilton, where we were kindly entertained by some aged 
people. Dined, and hasted along through Ipswich, 
and thence to Newburyport. Here I passed in sight 
of the old prophet, dear Whitefield's tomb, under the 
Presbyterian meeting-house. We crossed the Mer- 
rimac River and bridge, and came in late to Mr. Mer- 
rill's, where we were kindly entertained. 

H". H,] Portsmouth a Well-fortified Town. 

Wednesday y 15. We entered properly into New 
Hampshire. We passed Hampton Falls, where the 
people and priests were about installing a minister 
into the deceased Dr. Langdon's congregation. We 
had a dripping morning. We set out, however, and 



1798.] Bishop Asbuty Illustrated. 383 

rode about twenty miles to Portsmouth. There is a 
fever somewhat malignant and mortal here. This is 
a well-fortified town against the Methodists. Mr. 
Hutchinson and daughter received us with great Chris- 
tian politeness. Being exceedingly outdone with 
heat and labor, I was easily persuaded to tarry until 
morning. We crossed Piscataqua River, at the town 
of Portsmouth, in a flat-bottomed boat. I am so weak 
that the smallest shock shakes me. We came through 
Old York, Father Moodie's parish, of whom many 
tales are told. One is worth telling to posterity : it 
is that the only salary he received was the prayers of 
his people. We came on to Wells, and were kindly 
entertained at Mr. Maxwell's. I was restless through 
the night, and sleepy and sick through the day, yet 
we rode forty miles to Major Illsley's, near Portland. 

Me.] The First Conference ever Held in Maine. 

Saturday, 25. We had to beat through the woods 
between Winthrop and Redfield, which are as bad as 
the Alleghany mountain and the Shades of Death. 
We have now laid by our carriage and saddle, to wait 
until Wednesday next for conference ; the first of the 
kind ever held* in these parts, and it will probably 
draw the people from far and near. 

Wednesday, 29. Ten of us sat in conference. Great 
was our union and freedom of speech with each other. 

N. H.] Place of Mr. Whitefield's Last Sermon. 

Tuesday \ September 4. I passed Hampton and Hamp- 
ton Falls. At the latter Mr. Whitefield preached his 
last sermon, and probably caught the cause of his 



3 84 Character and Career of [ 1 798. 

death. I came over Piscataqua Bridge, a most ad- 
mirable piece of architecture ; it is double, and the 
toll-gate and tavern stand upon the island. We dined 
at Greenland, and had great attention paid us. The 
fever is breaking out again in Portsmouth, and it is 
awful in Philadelphia ; it seemeth as if the Lord 
would humble or destroy that city, by stroke after 
stroke, until they acknowledge God. Very serious 
appearances of this fever are now in New York. 

Mass,] Conference at Granville, 

Tuesday », 18. We came up to Granville, sixteen 
miles. It is well that I had help over the rocks and 
mountains. 

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. We sat in con- 
ference. About fifty preachers of different descrip- 
tions were present. Ten were admitted on probation. 
We had many weighty and deliberate conversations 
on interesting subjects, in much plainness and mod- 
eration. Six of us lodged among Deacon Loyd's 
kind Congregational people. 

Conn.] Asbury Compares his Travels to a Plight. 

Saturday, 22. We began our flight to the White 
Plains, across the hills and along most dreadful roads 
for a carriage. We came to Canaan, about thirty-six 
miles, and lodged by the Falls of the Housatonic 
River. Its source is in some ponds and springs 
north and south-west of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, 
and running through the heart of Connecticut, emp- 
ties into Long Island Sound at Stratford. It is the 
second in magnitude to that which gives a name to 
the State. 



1798.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated, 385 

1. T.] Awful Times in F New York. 

Monday y 24. We came through Duchess County, 
near the line of the two States, and down the waters 
of Croton' River. We lodged at Webb's, near New 
Salem. We reached the Plains in about thirty-six 
miles, and came in about sundown. Most awful 
times in Philadelphia and New York — citizens flying 
before the fever as if it were the sword ! I now wait 
the providence of God to know which way to go. 

N. JJ Death of John Dickins. 

Wednesday, October 3. Called upon James Sterling. 
This morning the certainty of the death of John 
Dickins was made known to me. He was in person 
and affection another Thomas White to me for years 
past. I feared death would divide us soon. I can- 
not write his biography here. We came to German- 
town, and Thursday, twenty-five miles to Daniel Mere- 
dith's, where we tarried for a night. Next day we 
reached Thomson's Mill, upon Great Elk. Within a 
mile of this place, while going over a desperate piece 
of road, my carriage turned bottom upward ; I was 
under and thrown down a descent of five or six feet. 
I thought at first I was unhurt, but upon examina- 
tion I found my ancle was skinned and a rib bone 
bruised. O the heat, the fall, the toil, the hunger of 
the day ! 
Md.] His Character. 

Tuesday, 9. We came to Baltimore. Here they 
have little to boast of but health and trade. The out- 
ward building of a society house is going on. I had 

John Dickins's son with me. We sketched out a 

25 



386 Character and Career of [ l 79&- 

few traits of his fathers life. For piety, probity, 

profitable preaching, holy living, Christian education- 

of his children, secret, closet prayer, I doubt whether 

his superior is to be found either in Europe or 

America. 

Va.] Mortality Among the Preachers, 

Friday, 19. We came through the dust, thirty-five 
miles, to Richmond. Here I heard of the death of 
John Norman Jones, who departed in joy and peace 
in Charleston ; this is the second preacher we have 
lost in about one year in that city. Likewise of 
Hickson and Brush in New York, M'Gee and Dick- 
ins in Philadelphia, and Francis Spry in Baltimore. 
M'Gee, William Dougharty, J. Brush, Stephen Davis, 
John Ragen, -James King, and John Dickins died 
of the malignant fever. 

Asbury Hard at "Work Again. 

Saturday, 20. I rested in Richmond. I here must 
record my thanks to my ancient and firm friend, 
Philip Rogers, for the loan of a horse when mine was 
fully worn down, and unable to stand my long and 
rapid rides. 

Sabbath, 21. I preached in the court-house, at the 
east end of the city, on 1 John i, 6, 7, and in the 
afternoon on Romans x, 13-16. On Monday, 22, I 
preached at Manchester on Heb. viii, 10, 11, and on 
Tuesday rode to * Petersburg by three o'clock, and 
preached on Heb. iii, 16. I spent the. evening with 
and slept at Joseph Harding's ; it was a renewal of 
our former friendship. I spent Wednesday at Wood 
Tucker's in as sweet affection as in ancient times. I 
exhorted his children to come to Christ. 



1798.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 387 

Thursday, 25. In company with my never-failing 
friend, (as far as man can be so,) Richard Whatcoat, 
I came to Ropers. My horse was taken sick, which 
detained me a night. On Friday, at Henry Reese's, 
my subject was Matt, yi, 16. I had the pleasure of 
seeing seven preachers present. On Saturday, 27, 
we had what was much wanted — rain. 

H. 0.] "It Will Make Death Welcome." 

Friday, November 16. We rode to Mr. Bell's, on 
Deep River, thence thirty miles to Wood's, upon 

River. This day was very warm-, and we had 

exceedingly uncomfortable roads. Going at this rate 
is very trying ; but it will make death welcome, and 
eternal rest desirable. Saturday and Sunday, at quar- 
terly meeting, my subject was Acts iii, 26. We rode 
down twelve miles to D. West's, and were benighted, 
which ill suited me. As we had to travel an unknown 
road to Henry Ledbetter's I wished to continue on 
our journey and not stop at Hancock ; but the 
people thought and said otherwise, so I stopped, and 
Brother Lee preached, after which I gave a discourse 
on Acts ii, 39, and came off in haste. D. West 
escorted me down to the ferry, where we called in 
vain for the flat. D. West went over, and it was 
with difficulty that he persuaded the ferryman to 
come with the boat and take me. It being dark, 
and the wind blowing very strong and cold, we had 
hard work in crossing. I told the company so in 
the morning, but stay I must and preach, or be ac- 
counted proud. At Henry Ledbetter's I preached 
on Heb. x, 23, 24, and at John Randell's on 2 Cor. 
vi, 1. Brother Jackson had secured for me riding and 
preaching enough as far as Camden. 



388 Character and Career of [ l 79$- 

S. 0.] A Cooling Breeze from the North. 

Friday, 30. We have ridden since Brother Jackson 
hath had the command of us nearly one hundred 
and fifty miles, from Montgomery, in North Carolina, 
to Camden, in South Carolina. If I attempt my 
appointments that Brother Lee has gone upon I 
must ride one hundred and fifty miles next week to 
Washington, in Georgia. The people are remark- 
ably kind in this country. I preached in Camden 
on 1 Kings viii, 35, 36. Here we have a beautiful 
meeting-house. It was a time of very severe drought, 
but I hope this place will yet be visited in mercy. 
Monday we rode to Brother James Rembart's, and on 
Tuesday I preached there on Heb. vi, 18. Here we 
seated ourselves for writing until Saturday, 10. On 
Sabbath day my subject was Acts iv, 20. Monday 
we rode to Brother Bradford's, and on Tuesday to 
Jack Creek. The changes of weather and lodging 
affect me much. I called and preached at Robert 
Bowman's. On Friday we came to Monk's Corner, 
and on Saturday to Charleston. I received a cooling 
breeze in a letter from the North. For the first time 
I opened my mouth upon Psalm lxvi, 13, 14. We 
have peace and good prospects in Charleston ; very 
large congregations attend the ministration of the 
word. Brother Harper opened his mission upon 
" Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not 
sin against thee." In the evening I spoke upon our 
Lord's lamentation over Jerusalem. On Christmas 
day I preached from Luke ii, 14, and at the new 
church on Haggai ii, 7. 



1 799.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 389 

Great Harmony and Good Humor in Conference. 

January 1, 1799. Our yearly conference assembled 
at Charleston. We kept our seats for four days. 
Thirty preachers present. We had great harmony 
and good humor. I gave a short discourse, addressed 
to the conference, from Heb. xiii, 17. 

I ordained three elders and seven deacons. The 
generosity of the people in Charleston was great. 
After keeping our ministers and their horses, they 
gave us nearly one hundred dollars for the benefit of 
those preachers who are in want. 

N. 0.] A Visit to the Sea. 

Thursday y February 9. I preached at the meeting- 
house from Luke iv, 18, 19, and came the same 
evening to Father William Gause's, where I preached 
on Friday, 10, upon Rom. v, 1-5. We had a living 
season here. I paid a visit to the sea, and saw the 
breakers — tremendous sight and sound ! but how 
curious to see the sea-gull take the clams out of the 
sand and bear them up into the air, drop them 
down to break them, and then eat the flesh ! This I 
saw demonstrated ; and if they fail once in breaking 
the shell they will take it up again, bear it higher, 
and cast it down upon a hard spot of ground until 
they effect their purpose. 

We are now in Bladen circuit, Brunswick county, 
North Carolina. I have traveled nearly four hun- 
dred miles in the Southern States, and spent three 
months therein. 

Newbern Originally Settled by Germans. 
Thursday, 21. We came to Newbern, originally 
settled by Germans, and called after old Berne in 



39° Character and Career of [ l 799- 

Switzerland. For sixteen miles of this road we had 
heavy rain ; but I was well cased up, notwithstanding 
which I took cold. We have traveled from Charles- 
ton three hundred and thirty miles in this our retro- 
grade journey, which we have made longer by fre- 
quently turning out of our way. 

Moving Eapidly Through the Counties. 

Thursday ', March 14. At Nixonton I declined 
preaching, but made an exhortation after Brother Lee 
had given them a long sermon. It is probably eight 
years since I came through this circuit, which caused 
this people to exert themselves in coming out, so that 
we had a very large congregation. 

We have ridden since we have come across Roan- 
oke one hundred and forty-three miles to John Rus- 
sell's. We have moved rapidly through Gates, 
Chowan, Perquimons, and Pasquotank counties ; as 
we pass we have lovely levels, fine white cedar on the 
rivers, creeks, and swamps, for between six or seven 
hundred miles ; from the low lands in Georgia to 
Blackwater in Virginia it is fine lumber land, but 
unhealthy in some places. 

Va.] Asbnry Eaising Blood— Unable to Preach. 

Monday, April 8. We rode thirty miles to Jones's 
chapel. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, confer- 
ence sat in great peace and love. 

Friday, 12. We rode to Father Nathaniel Lee's, and 
on Satttrday, 13, to Frederick Bonner's, where I rested 
— a solemn Sabbath. 

Monday, 15. By ten o'clock we came to Peters- 
burg, and then rode on and crossed James River 



1 799.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 391 

at Woodson's ferry. We lodged at Keezee's, having 
ridden thirty-two miles, 

Tuesday, 16. We came to Philip Davis's, twenty 
miles, near Putney, New Kent. I feel low in body, 
but serene in soul. The brethren in Virginia, in 
conference, gave it me in charge not to preach until 
the Baltimore conference. I was willing to obey, 
feeling myself utterly unable. The houses that we 
preach and lodge in this severe weather are very 
open. My breast is inflamed and I have a discharge 
of blood. 

Journeying Toward Baltimore. 

Thursday, 25. The general fast day. I attended at 
Fairfax chapel ; Philip Bruce gave a discourse upon 
these words of our Lord : " And then shall they fast 
in those days." As I was unable to preach, I gave 
an exhortation from the subject. I find that very 
small rest, when joined with comfortable accommo- 
dation, gives me great strength of body ; by this 
means I might be restored, but I must keep moving. 
I was caught in a heavy thunder-storm, from which I 
took cold and had a high fever and headache. I 
rested on Friday at William Watters's. Saturday, 
rode to Alexandria. Monday and Tuesday, rode to 
Baltimore. 

ltd.] A Home Offered Asbury, 

Wednesday, May 1. We opened our conference, 
which sat four days. We had preaching morning 
and evening. I gave a short exhortation before the 
sacrament. 

Monday, 6. We rode out to Greenwood, Mr. Rog- 
er's country-seat, who told me that when I was past 
labor there was his house as my own. 



39 2 Character and Career of [ J 799- 

A Legacy from a Living Priend. 

Titesday, 21. We came to Anamessex. My horse 
began to sweat, swell, and tremble, and died upon 
the road. Brother Levan Moore was with me ; we 
put his horse in the sulky, and both of us rode to 
Samuel Smith's. 

Wednesday, 22. I borrowed a horse of Samuel 
Smith, crossed Pocomoke, and rode to Littleton 
Long's, where I gave an exhortation to a few people. 
It was a very extraordinary legacy of a living friend 
that put forty-five dollars into my hands ; had I not 
bought a coat I might have had fifty dollars in my 
pocket ; it would have been a wonder for me to have 
as much money by me ; but one hundred or more 
might be needful to purchase another horse. 

Del.] Asbury Advised to Suspend Preaching. 

Sabbath Day, yune 2, After meeting I rode to 
Duck Creek Cross Roads, and called at Doctor Cook's 
to see Thomas White's children. Doctor Anderson, 
Doctor Ridgely, and Doctor Neadham considered my 
case : they advised a total suspension from preach- 
ing, fearing a consumption or a dropsy in the breast. 

Monday, 3. I ordained one person at the Cross 
Roads, and another at Dickinson's meeting-house. I 
dined with Mr. Moore near the Appoquimamink 
bridge, and then rode on to Wilmington ; we have 
made forty miles this day. What with labor and 
fevers my rest is greatly interrupted. 

Pa.] Ezekiel Cooper Appointed Book Agent. 

Thursday, 6. We held our conference in Philadel- 
phia. I retired each night to the Eagleworks, upon 



1 799.] Bishop Asbury Ilhistrated. 393 

Schuylkill, at Henry Foxall's solitary, social retreat. 
The conference was large and the business very 
important. Ezekiel Cooper was confirmed in 
his appointment by me as our Agent in the Book 
Concern. 

N. J.] Asbury Sweeps Through New Jersey. 

Wednesday, 12. After the rising of the conference 
I rode to Burlington; on Thursday, 13, to Milford ; 
on Friday, to Mr. Drake's, near Amboy ; and on 
Saturday, to New York. 

N. T.] Conference for New York and the New England States. 

Wednesday, 19. We opened our conference for New 
York and all the New England States. 

The conference was crowded with work ; conse- 
quently I had but little rest, and what added to my 
pain was Brother Bostick's lying sick in the next 
room. Heat and haste ! 

Sunday, 23. We had a charitable day at all the 
houses and collected nearly three hundred dollars ; 
but the deficiencies of the preachers were almost one 
thousand dollars. I attempted to preach a little on 
Phil, iv, 19, and gave an exhortation at the Bowery 
church. I met the society at the old church at 
night. The excessive heat made us wish and haste 
to leave town. 

Thinks of Eesigning the General Superintendence 
Monday, yuly I. I rested. My health is some- 
what better. I must confess I never felt so great a 
resolution to resign the general superintendency as 
I do now ; and if matters do not work more to my 



394 Character and Career of [ 1 799. 

mind, it is highly probable I shall. My prayers and 
counsel will be turned this way until next General 
Conference. 

A Group of Honored Names. 

Tuesday, 2. I visited Mr. Sands's family, and on 
Wednesday breakfasted with Mrs. Montgomery at her . 
beautiful retreat. Dined at Mrs. Livingston's, on the 
manor, an aged, respectable mother of many chil- 
dren. The house, the garden, the river view, all 
might afford much painting for the pen of a Hervey. 
Brother Garrettson and his agreeable wife attended us. 

In Orange County, 

Thursday, 18. We rode over hills and rocks, through 
heat and with hunger, twenty-eight miles, without 
stopping until we came to Leizer's, near the Jersey 
line, Orange county. We have traveled and toiled 
nearly four hundred miles through this State. Weary 
as I was, I must needs ride five miles further to 
Nicholas Simonson's, where I was comfortably en- 
tertained. 

U. J.] In Pain and Heat, Hungry and Sick, 

Friday, 19. We came on to Sussex court-house; 
dined, and pushed on to Father Freeman's. No ap- 
pointments. 

Saturday, 20. I rode in great pain and heat, hun- 
gry and sick, twenty-five miles to Mr. M'Collock's. 
How welcome a good house, kind friends, and a cold 
day ! What is the cause of my affliction ? Is it the 
water, or the weather, or my bilious habit ? I am at 
a loss to know. 



1 799.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 395 

Pa,] " A Balm for Every Sore." 

Wednesday, 24. We rose at three o'clock in the 
morning and began our journey at five, over ridges 
and rocks, twenty-eight miles to Pottsgrove. We 
did not eat until we came to Coventry. Thirty-six 
miles is the amount of this day's journey. O heat, 
drought, and dust ! 

Thursday, 25. We had a most dreadful time over 
the mountains to the Forest chapel. Here we found 
the people much engaged in religion ; this was a balm 
for every sore. We dined at Kerbury's, and lodged 
at Abraham Lewis's. 

Venerable Karnes, 

Sabbath Day, 28. There was preaching in Thomas 
Ware's orchard, in Strasburg ; we had the respect- 
able of the town, and a large assembly. This place 
contains, I judge, between sixty and seventy dwell- 
ing houses. 

Monday, 29. I visited Jacob Boehm's. God hath 
begun to bless the children ©f this family. The 
parents have followed us nearly the space of twenty 
years. 

Tuesday, 30. We had a serious earthquake at five 
o'clock. The earth is growing old ; it groans and 
trembles, which is the necessary consequence of 
" palsied eld." I visited John Miller's ; thence we 
rode six miles to Martin Boehm's. 

Wednesday, 31. We had a comfortable meeting at 
Boehm's church. Here lieth the dust of William 
Jessup and Michael R. Wilson. I feebly attempted a 
discourse upon Heb. vi, 12. In the evening we rode 
to Abraham Cagy's, near the mouth of Pagan Creek. 



396 Character and Career of [ l 799- 

Eevival State of the Districts. 

Tuesday, August 6. It may suffice to say my mind 
hath been kept in great peace ; but I have been 
greatly afflicted and dejected with pain and labor. 
We have visited six districts since the sitting of the 
Baltimore conference, and in four out of six there is 
a happy revival of religion — on the Eastern Shore, in 
Jersey, Albany, and Pennsylvania — and we hear a 
rumor of a revival in the northern district of Virginia. 

Va.] A Trip through Nine Counties. 

Monday, September 2. At Beaver Creek meeting- 
house we had a lively time. I have traveled, since I 
came into Virginia, through Loudon, Berkeley, Fred- 
erick, Shenandoah, Culpepper, Madison, Orange, 
Louisa, and Hanover counties. 

Wednesday, 4. We came to Richmond Since Fri- 
day week we have traveled two hundred miles ; to 
which we may add the labor of our meetings— in com- 
mon three hours long, and sometimes longer. 

James O'Kelly's Plan of Union. 

James O'Kelly hath sent out another pamphlet, and 
propounded terms of union himself for the Presby- 
terians, Baptists, and Methodists.. The Presbyterians 
must give up their confession of faith. The Baptists, 
if they open a more charitable door, adult dipping. 
The Methodists must give up the episcopacy and 
form of discipline, renounce the articles of their 
religion and the doctrine of the Trinity. I ask 
in turn, What will James give up ? His Unitarian 
errors ? Did he think the Protestant Episcopalians 



1 799.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 397 

beneath his notice ? I am now more fully satisfied 
than ever that his book is not worthy of an answer. 

"Weary World! when Will it End?" 

Wednesday, 11. I put a blister upon my breast. 
Brother Whatcoat preached at Charity chapel, where 
we administered the sacrament. We went home with 
John Hobson, and were treated with every mark of 
kindness we could desire. On Friday I preached at 
Smith's church, dined at Robert Smith's, and then 
rode on, in a very warm and dry day, twenty-six 
miles to Daniel Guerrant's, and came in a little after 
eight o'clock in the evening. I have stretched along 
through Chesterfield, Powhatan, Cumberland, Buck- 
ingham, into Prince Edward county, and this while 
enduring a raw and running blister upon my breast, 
excessive heat, and with very little rest by night or 
by day. I would not live always. Weary world ! 
when will it end ? 

M", 0,] Asbury's American Birthday. 

Saturday, October 19. We rode through a damp 
and, in the end, rainy day twenty miles to George 
Gordon's, near Wilkes's court-house. We crossed 
and recrossed the Yadkin River. 

Sunday, 20. This is my American birthday. I 
have now passed twenty-eight years upon this conti- 
nent. Do I wish to live them over again ? By no 
means. I doubt if I could mend it in my weakness 
and old age. I could not come up to what I have 
done ; I should be dispirited at what would be pre- 
sented before me. 



398 Character and Career of [ l 799- 

Crossing Eivers. 

Tuesday, 22. We had a serious, laborious ride of 
thirty miles to William White's, Esquire, upon Johns 
River, Burke county. In this route we had to cross 
the Yadkin ten times ; Elk and Buffalo each twice. 
Twenty miles of the path were good, ten miles uneven, 
with short hills, stumps, sideling banks, and deep 
ruts. I have renewed my acquaintance with these 
rivers. They afford valuable levels, with rising hills 
and high mountains on each side. The prospect is 
elegantly variegated. Here are grand heights, and 
there Indian corn adorns the vales. The water flows 
admirably clear, murmuring through the rocks, and 
in the rich lands, gently gliding, deep and silent, 
between its verdant banks. And to all this may be 
added pure air. 

Aslmry's Burden. 

Saturday, 26. I stayed at the house to read, write, 
and plan a little. I tremble and faint under my bur- 
den — having to ride about six thousand miles an- 
nually, to preach from three to five hundred sermons 
a year, to write and read so many letters, and read 
many more — all this and more, besides the stationing 
of three hundred preachers, reading many hundred 
pages, and spending many hours in conversation 
by day and by night with preachers and people of 
various characters, among whom are many distressing 
cases. 

S. 0,] Ecclesiastical Eevenue. 

Saturday and Sunday, November 9, 10. Quarterly 
meeting at Bramblet's. I made a discourse upon 



1 799-1 Bishop Asbicry Illustrated. 399 

Titus ii, 3. We had a good season. I only gave an 
exhortation on the Sabbath. We are now at the 
Widow Bramblet's, ten miles from the Widow- 
Frank's. 

Benjamin Blanton came up with us sick ; his fa- 
mous horse died of the staggers. He reported two 
hundred and sixty dollars, and he had received from the 
connection in four years two hundred and fifty dol- 
lars. If we do not benefit the people we have but 
little of their money. Such is the ecclesiastical rev- 
enue of all our order. 

Monday, 11. We rode, sick, weary, and hungry, 
through a most barren country. Jesse Lee stopped 
to preach at Colonel Wolfe's. I rode on to the Tum- 
bling Shoals Ford upon Reedy River, thence on to 
William Powell's, upon the banks of Fair Seleuda. I 
came in as usual, sick indeed, after riding thirty miles 
— jolting over roots, stumps, holes, and gullies. 

Ga.] The Bishop Turns Nurse. 

Tuesday, 26. We came six miles to Cornelius 
M'Carty's. Here we had to drop anchor again. 
Brother Blanton could go no further this day, and as 
there were three of us in company, and one who was 
well able to do the work, I felt it my duty to do as I 
would be done by, and have been done by, that is, to 
stay and take care of tlie sick man. 

Wednesday, 27. After Brother Blanton had been 
very ill, and in bed most of his time, I housed him 
in my carriage and we proceeded down the Oconee, 
twelve miles, to Burrel Pope's, after a heavy siege 
through the woods, from one plantation to another, 
on Brother Blantbn's stiff-jointed horse, that I would 



400 Character and Career of [ J 799- 

. only ride to save souls, or the health of a brother. 
Our accommodations compensated for all. I admire 
the soft soil of Georgia, and it is pleasant to see the 
people plowing on the last of November, as if it 
were the month of April. The weather was very 
cold on Thursday and Friday. Saturday I rode seven 
miles up to Hudson's Ford, at the mouth of Trail 
Creek, to have a sight of Oconee River. Jesse Lee 
visited the forks of the river, and formed a circuit for 
one preacher. The land upon the river is good. I 
returned to Henry Pope's. 

A Gloss Upon Joshua xiv, 8. 

Saturday and Sabbath Day y December 7, 8. We held 
our quarterly meeting at Mark's meeting-house. I 
had dreaded this appointment. I had some pain 
and some pleasure. The state of religion is low here. 
Hope Hull preached on Saticrday upon Jer. x, 8. 
We had some signs, to show that life had not entirely 
departed, in the love-feast and sacrament. Benjamin 
Blanton preached, Sabbath day, from Isa. xxviii, 8, 
and I gave a gloss upon Joshua xiv, 8, "Nevertheless, 
my brethren that went up with me made the heart 
of the people melt ; but I wholly followed the Lord 
my God." In the introduction peculiar attention was 
paid to the dealings of God with Israel from the be- 
ginning to the end ; the influence pious characters 
had in the case before us, two prevailing against ten ; 
that the well-being of future generations required that 
a decided tone to the morals, manners, and religious 
opinions should be given by the first settlers of the 
country. The weight of the discourse was opened 
in two divisions : First, What God has done for many 



1 799-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 401 

Christians ; Secondly, Their unfaithfulness and com- 
plaints, (like the Israelites,) and their bad influence 
upon the camp of Israel, as at the present day. 

An Intestine War, 

Tuesday, 17. Rode ten miles to James Allen's, and 
behold, neither the man nor his wife was at home. 
The day was far spent, and it was raining, so we 
stopped. 

Wednesday, 18. Before we could get ready to move 
it began to rain powerfully. We came down the 
Augusta road, gouged up by wagons in a most dread- 
ful manner, in consequence of which we were five 
hours in going twelve miles to Thomas Haine's, upon 
Uchee. I had great intestine war, having eat but 
little ; but here we have all things comfortable. I 
doubt whether we shall be able to cross Savannah 
River in five days from this time, the former freshet 
being increased by latter rains. 

S. 0.] Conference in Charleston, 

Wednesday, January 1, 1800. We began our con- 
ference in Charleston, twenty-three members present. 
I had select meetings with the preachers each even- 
ing, who gave an account of the dealings of God with 
their own souls, and of the circuits they supplied the 
past year. 

Death of "Washington— Matchless Man. 

Saturday, 4. Slow moved the northern post on the 
eve of New Year's day, and brought the heart-dis- 
tressing information of the death of Washington, who 
departed this life December 14, 1799. 

Washington, the calm, intrepid chief, the disinter- 

26 



402 Character and Career of [ 1 800. 

ested friend, first father, and temporal savior of his 
country under Divine protection and direction. A 
universal cloud sat upon the faces of the citizens of 
Charleston ; the pulpits clothed in black — the bells 
muffled — the paraded soldiery — a public oration de- 
creed to be delivered on Friday, 14th of this month — 
a marble statue to be placed in some proper situation 
— these were the expressions of sorrow, and these the 
marks of respect paid by his feeling fellow-citizens 
to the memory of this great man. I am disposed to 
lose sight of all but Washington — matchless man ! 
At all times he acknowledged the providence of God, 
and never was he ashamed of his Redeemer. We 
believe he died not fearing death. In his will he 
ordered the manumission of his slaves — a true son 
of liberty in all points. 

Asbury Eemains in Charleston Awhile. 

Monday, 6. The main body of the preachers left 
the city. I desired Jesse Lee, as my assistant, to 
take my horse and his own and visit, between this 
and the yth of February, Coosawattee, Savannah, 
and Saint Mary's, (a ride of about four hundred 
miles,) and to take John Garven to his station. The 
time has been when this journey would have been 
my delight, but now I must lounge in Charleston. 

At Work With his Pen. 

No journal until Friday, 24. This week I em- 
ployed in answering my correspondents in the Dis- 
trict of Maine, States of Massachusetts, New York, 
Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Thursday night 
departed this life Edward Rutledge, Governor of 






l8oo.] Bishop As bury Illustrated. 403 

South Carolina. He was one of the tried patriots 
of 1775 and 1776. The Africans gave him a good 
character for his humanity. On Saturday, 25, his 
dust is to be committed to dust. " I have said ye 
are gods ; but ye shall die like men, and fall like one 
of the princes." 

Leaves Charleston. 

Friday, February 7. Jesse Lee and George Dough- 
arty came to town. The former hath been a route 
of about six hundred miles, and my poor gray hath 
suffered for it. 

Sunday, 9. I gave my last charge at Cumberland- 
street church from Rom. xii, 14-18. 

Monday, 10. I left the city of Charleston ; the day 
was cold and the roads bad. We came through 
Broughton Swamp. In the evening my carriage got 
set fast ; the second draught the hook upon the 
swingle-tree gave way, and I had to take to the mud 
to fix the traces. At half past eight o'clock we came 
to Monk's Corner. 

K 0.] At Camden. 

Saturday, 15. We came to Camden. The weather 
is still cold. We stopped to feed at Navy's. We 
have ridden, since Monday last, one hundred and 
thirty miles, and my horse would not have been so 
outdone in two hundred or three hundred miles upon 
good roads. My soul hath been kept in patience and 
much prayer ; my body is in great weakness, under- 
going disagreeable changes with the weather and my 
constitutional maladies. 

Sunday, 16. At Camden I preached upon 1 Cor. 



404 Character and Career of [1800. 

vi, 19, 20. We administered the Lord's Supper. 
The day was cold for this climate and but few people 
attended. 

Asbury "Kevived" at Sight of the Lawyers, 

Wednesday, 26. I had to pass over heavy hills, 
rocks, and small runs, and through thick clay. We 
were concluding when in Charleston and after we 
set out, by the excessive cold, that there was snow 
not far distant. When we came into North Carolina 
we found that upon Pedee, and Yadkin and Deep 
Rivers the snow had fallen fifteen and eighteen 
inches deep, and continued nearly a month upon the 
ground, and had swelled the rivers and spoiled the 
public roads. We lodged at Mr. Bell's, having rid- 
den only fifty miles in two days. We left two ap- 
pointments on the west side of Uwany ; so much for 
that siege. My horse had hard work, my carriage 
was very loose in the joints by constant and long 
play, and myself much tired, but I revived when I 
saw the lawyers going to the Western courts. I 
thought, if they toiled and suffered for justice and 
silver how ought I to labor for truth, and gold that 
perisheth not, and thousands of people, and hundreds 
of preachers. 

Preaches at the State House at Ealeigh, 

Thursday ', March 6. We came to Raleigh, the seat 
of government. I preached in the State House. 
Notwithstanding this day was very cold and snowy 
we had many people to hear. I baptized a child, and 
came that evening to Thomas Proctor's. 

Friday, 7. We came to the Union church. Many 



i8oo.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated, 405 

attended, but the excessive cold penetrated my whole 
system. We lodged at John Whitefield's. 

Saturday, 8. I rode twelve miles through the snow 
to Edmund Taylor's, senior. This week, from Mon- 
day to Saturday at noon, I have ridden one hundred 
and ten miles. My mind is kept in great serenity. 
I have spoken every day but this. 

Va.] " Hail, Ancient Virginia, Once More ! " 

Thursday ', 13. We crossed Roanoke at Taylors 
Ferry ; the river was very full. Hail, ancient Vir- 
ginia, once more ! In little more than four weeks we 
have ridden nearly two hundred miles in South, and 
three hundred in North Carolina. We came to 
Howell Taylor's. N. Snethen preached Father 
Young's funeral sermon on Isaiah lvii, 1. I could 
only exhort. We rode home with S. Holmes, fif- 
teen, miles, and it was well we did. 

" He might as well have asked me for Pern." 
Saturday, 15, was a stormy day. One of my friends 
wanted to borrow or beg ^50 of me. He might as 
well have asked me for Peru. I showed him all the 
money I had in the world — about twelve dollars, and 
gave him five. Strange, that neither my friends nor 
my enemies will believe that I neither have nor seek 
bags of money. Well, they shall believe by demon- 
stration what I have ever been striving to prove, 
that I shall die a poor man. At Salem we had a 
good Sabbath. My subject was Rom. xii, 19-21. 
Our meeting held nearly three hours. 

The Effigy of Washington. 
Tuesday, April 15. We rode back to York. I saw 
the grave where was buried the effigy of General 



406 Character and CaYecr of [1800. 

Washington, at the probable place where Lord Corn- 
wallis delivered up his sword to him. We lodged at 
Brother John Stubb's, in Gloucester. 

Five Hundred Miles in Nineteen Counties. 
Saturday, 19. We rode fourteen miles to S. Coles's. 
I judge I have traveled little short of five hundred 
miles this route over Virginia, having been in nine- 
teen counties. 

Md,] Eleven Hundred Miles. 

Monday, 28. I visited and prepared for the arrange- 
ment of the preachers at the annual conference for 
another year. The great accounts of the work of 
God in various parts are as cordials to my soul. I 
am persuaded that upon an exact measurement I 
have traveled eleven hundred miles from the 10th of 
February to the 27th of April. My horse is poor, 
and my carriage is greatly racked. 

General Conference at Baltimore— Whatcoat Elected Bishop. 

Monday, May 5. We came to Baltimore, and Tues- 
day, 6, we opened our General Conference, which 
held until Tuesday, 20. We had much talk, but 
little work. Two days were spent in considering 
about Doctor Coke's return to Europe, part of two 
days on Richard Whatcoat for a bishop, and one day 
in raising the salary of the itinerant preachers from 
sixty-four to eighty dollars per year. We had one 
hundred and sixteen members present. It was still 
desired that I should continue in my station. On 
the i8t/i of May, 1800, Elder Whatcoat was ordained 
to the office of a bishop, after having been elected by a 
majority of four votes more than Jesse Lee. The une- 



i8oo.] Bishop Asbttry Illustrated. 407 

tion that attended the word was great — more than one 
hundred souls at different times and places professed 
conversion during the sitting of conference. I was 
weary, but sat very close in conference. My health 
is better than when we began. 

Del.] Conference at Duck Creek— One Hundred Conversions. 

Saturday, 31. I preached at the Forest chapel on 
Habakkuk iii, 2, and rode to Dover that evening. 

Sunday, June 1. This was a day to be remembered. 
We began our love-feast at half past eight. Meeting 
was continued (except one hour's intermission) until 
four o'clock, and some people never left the house 
until nearly midnight. Many souls professed to find 
the Lord. In the evening I rode to Duck Creek. 

Monday, 2. We had sixty-six preachers, all con- 
nected with the business of the conference. We sat 
closely six hours each day, until Friday, 6, when 
about nine o'clock the conference rose. One hour 
was spent in public each day, but the people would not 
leave the house night or day ; in short, such a time 
hath been seldom known. The probability is that 
above one hundred souls were converted to God. 
The stationing of the preachers was a subject that 
took my attention. It was with the greatest difficulty 
that I could unbend my mind from this one hour, by 
day or night, until I read the plan. I felt myself bound 
in spirit, and perhaps conscience also, to push on to 
hold the next Sabbath in Philadelphia. Bishop 
Whatcoat and myself hasted to Wilmington on Fri- 
day, and on Saturday we dined with Mary Withy, 
now raised above her doubts and rejoicing in God. 
Through her instrumentality a small society is raised 



408 Character and Career of [1800. 

in Chester, and she hath fed the Lord's prophets 
twenty-eight or twenty-nine years. We came on to 
Schuylkill, and thence to Philadelphia. 

Pa,l A Year of Pentecost. 

Sunday, 8. I preached morning and evening at 
Fourth-street. I preached at the African church on 
2 Pet. iii, 17, 18, and at St. George's on 1 Pet. i, 5-7. 
I spoke only once at the conference, on Psa. xxix, 9 : 
"And in his temple doth every one speak of his glory" 
— truly fulfilled at that time and place. Surely we 
may say our Pentecost is fully come this year, when we 
recollect what God hath wrought in Edisto in South, 
and Guilford in North Carolina ; in Franklin, Amelia, 
and Gloucester, in Virginia ; in Baltimore and Cecil, 
in Maryland ; in Dover, Duck Creek, and Milford, in 
Delaware. My health is restored, to the astonish- 
ment of myself and friends. Monday and Tuesday in 
Philadelphia. 

U. J.] Two Bishops, and Almost a Third. 

Wednesday, 1 1. We rode to Burlington through ex- 
cessive heat and dust, in company with Richard 
Whatcoat and Jesse Lee. The latter wished to 
preach in the evening and go on in the morning. 
The Baptist minister had appointed a lecture, and in- 
vited Brother Lee to take his place. He accepted, 
and preached an appropriate sermon on Acts x, 25. 

H. T.] Knotty Subjects Talked Over in Plainness, Harmony, 

and Love. 

Wednesday, 18. We rode in haste to New York, 
and on Thursday, 19, we opened our conference; 



i8oo.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 409 

about forty preachers present. We had some knotty- 
subjects to talk over, which we did in great peace, 
plainness, and love. Friday and Saturday we were 
closely confined to business. Sabbath, my subject 
at the old church was Romans xii, 19-21. In my 
introduction I observed that the text was quoted 
from Lev. xix, 18, and Prov. xxv, 21, 22, that it might 
discover to us what veneration the New Testament 
writers had for the Old, and what was required in a 
believer under that dispensation. Vengeance is not 
in our province. We cannot in civil, much less in 
sacred, causes be our own judges or jurors ; if we 
must feed an enemy, and not only forgive him an in- 
jury but do him a favor, surely then we ought to 
love a friend, a Christian, and more abundantly a 
minister of Christ. This day we made a general 
collection for the support of the traveling ministry. 

"A Mighty Stir in the Bowery Church." 

Tuesday, 24. I have now a little rest. We have 
had a mighty stir in the Bowery church for two 
nights past until after midnight ; perhaps twenty souls 
have found the Lord. Bishop Whatcoat preached 
the ordination sermon in the afternoon at the Bowery 
church. I have now a little time to unbend my 
mind from the stations ; but still my work is not 
done. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, I 
employed myself in reading, writing, and visiting. 

Betsey Sherwood Gone to Glory. 

Satttrday, 28. We left the city, and rode twenty- 
six miles through heat, and plagued by the flies, to 
my old home at the Widow Sherwood's. But dear 



410 Character and Career of [1800. 

Betsy Sherwood, my nurse, is gone, I trust, to 
glory. 

Conn.] Connecticut One Continuity of Landscape, 

Tuesday \ July 1. In consequence of our circum- 
locutory motions we have ridden about fifty-five miles 
since we left the city of New York. We came to 
Stamford, where Brother Whatcoat gave a sermon 
on "The faith and choice of Moses." I had only 
time to speak a few words on Luke xix, 44. 

Wednesday, 2. We rode on to Norwalk, stopped an 
hour at Brother Day's, and thence rode on to Fair- 
field. It was a cool day. We had an elegant view — 
the fields in full dress, laden with plenty ; a distant 
view of Long Island and the Sound ; the spires of 
steeples seen from distant hills. This country is one 
continuity of landscape. My mind is comforted and 
drawn out in prayer. We had not time to feed nor 
rest. It was with some exertion we came in time to 
Joseph Hall's, at Pequonnock. After we got a little 
refreshment and rest I gave them a short discourse 
on Luke x, 2. Strength and time failed me, and I 
could not finish and apply as I wished. 

Methodism Getting Foothold in Mew Haven. 

Friday y 4. The weather is damp and very warm. 
We came on to New Haven, where they were cele- 
brating the Fourth of July. I fear some of them 
have broken good order, and become independent 
of strict sdbriety. Bishop Whatcoat preached in 
the Sandemanian meeting-house purchased by the 
Methodists. 



i8co.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 411 

Asbnry's Estimate of Hew England "Women. 

Friday, n. We came to Preston, and were kindly 
entertained at Isaac Herrick's. It was the very 
height of rye harvest, yet many came together. I 
was greatly led out on the great salvation. I was 
refreshed in soul and body, and rode on in the even- 
ing to Nathan Herrick's. The simplicity and fru- 
gality of New England is desirable — you see the 
woman a mother, mistress, maid, and wife, and in all 
these characters a conversable woman ; she seeth to 
her own house, parlor, kitchen, and dairy ; here are 
no noisy negroes running and lounging. If you 
wish breakfast at six or seven o'clock there is no 
setting the table an hour before the provision can be 
produced. 

K. I,] General Lippelt's Chapel. 

Saturday, 12. We took our departure for Rhode 
Island through Plainfield. The weather is still ex- 
cessively warm ; the roads sandy, stony, -and rocky, 
notwithstanding the turnpike. We passed Sterling, 
the last town in Connecticut. We wandered a mile 
or two out of our way, and had to pay for it by going 
a cross path. We made it twenty-six miles to Gen- 
eral Lippelt's. The General hath built a neat chapel 
for the use of the Methodist Episcopal Church near 
his house. 

Sunday, 13. Richard Whatcoat preached in the 
morning. In the afternoon my subject was Exodus 
xx, 24 : " In all places where I record my name I will 
come unto thee, and I will bless thee." It was a 
feeling time. Although I was very unwell all the 
day, I could not stand back from duty. 



412 Character and Career of [1800. 

Mass,] A New Church in Boston. 

Tuesday, 15. We came through Wrentham, Wal- 
pole, Dedham, and Roxborough to Boston. It was 
a damp day, with an easterly wind, unfriendly to my 
breast. As they were about finishing our church we 
could not preach in it- The new State House here 
is, perhaps, one of the most simply elegant in the 
United States. We made our home at Edward 
Haynes's, late from England, where we had most 
agreeable accommodations after our toil. 

Heavy Work Accomplished. 

Thursday, 17. We have dry weather. We came 
through much dust to Lynn. 

Friday, 18. We sat in conference. There were 
twenty-one members present ; we had great peace 
and union. 

Saturday, 19. The conference rose after voting the 
session of the next yearly conference to be held at 
Lynn. And now the toil of six conferences in seven 
months, and the riding of thirteen hundred miles, is 
over. I found some difficulty in stationing the mar- 
ried preachers. 

Asbury and Whatcoat Preach in the New Tabernacle. 

Monday, 21. We came to Boston and preached 
in the Tabernacle, now nearly finished, on Hetv 
iii, 12-14. We were generously entertained at Ed- 
ward Haynes's. 

Tuesday, 22. Bishop Whatcoat preached in Boston 
from Psalm cxvi, 7. Wednesday, we came thirteen 
miles to Waltham, where we had a meeting. The 
subject was Rev. xxi, 6, 7. 



l8oo.J Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 413 

Conn.] The Parsonage in Spencertown. 

Wednesday, 30. We rode to Mr. Spencers, in Hart- 
ford. My mind is in peace, but I have uncomfort- 
able feelings in my body. Here I met Brothers 
Bostwick and Borrough. We have a house built in 
Spencertown for the Lord, and now they are building 
one for the Lord's servants — for the married preach- 
ers to live in who are sent to the circuit. 

Madam Livingston. 

Friday, August 1. Freeborn Garrettson came up 
with us ; he attended the funeral of the venerable Moth- 
er Livingston, who was suddenly and safely called 
home, aged seventy-eight, removed by a paralytic 
stroke, and probably it was apoplectic also. Perhaps it 
was about thirty-four years ago that this godly woman 
was awakened under the first sermon the Rev. Dr. 
Sadly preached in the Reformed Low Dutch Church 
in New York, as she told me ; nor she alone, but six 
or eight other respectable women. Madam Living- 
ston was one that gave invitation to the Methodist 
preachers to come to Rhinebeck, and received them 
into her house ; and would have given them more 
countenance had she been under no other influence 
than that of the Spirit of God and her own feelings.. 
I visited her one year before her death, and spent a 
night at her mansion ; she was sensible, conversable, 
and hospitable. 

Goshen, Cornwall, Sharon, 

Monday, 4. We came on and stopped at Goshen, at 
Captain Wright's. The people flocked together at a 
short warning, and I gave a discourse on Isa. xxxv, 
3-6 ; after which we dined, and came on across the 



414 Character and Career of [1800. 

hills and over dreadful rocky roads to Cornwall, 
where Brother Whatcoat preached in the meeting- 
house on " We know that we are of God, and the 
whole world lieth in wickedness." 

Tuesday, 5. We had another tolerable siege over 
the Housatonic River and hills to Sharon. Here 
Brother Whatcoat preached on " The Lord knoweth 
how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to 
reserve the unjust to the day of judgment to be pun- 
ished." I gave an exhortation, and then we came 
rapidly, fifteen miles, to C. Levie's, in the Nine 
Partners. 
B", T.] Freeborn Gfarrettson's Eesidence. 

Wednesday, 6. We came to Row's. Bishop What- 
coat preached on 1 John iv, 17. I gave an exhorta- 
tion. We came on to Freeborn Garrettson's new 
design, upon the Rhinebeck Flats. He hath a beau- 
tiful land and water prospect, and a good, simply 
elegant, useful house for God, his people, and the 
family. We have ridden between eighty and ninety 
miles since last Sabbath ; not less than five hundred 
and fifty since we departed from New York, and one 
third of the roads were rocky and very uneven. I read 
a book of about five hundred pages, the author of which 
is a curious writer. 

Friday and Saturday, 8, 9. We regaled ourselves 
and horses upon the pleasant banks of the Hudson, 
where the passing and repassing of boats and small 
craft, perhaps fifty in a day, is a pleasant sight. 

Two Bishops Dine on a Water-melon ! 
Tuesday, 12. We came through Poughkeepsie. No 
place for Methodism. We stopped at Elijah Mor- 



l8oo.] Bishop As bury Illustrated. 415 

gan's ; Brother Thacher was preaching when we 
came in. We have ridden twenty-five miles this day, 
and dined in the road upon a water-melon that Mrs. 
Tillotson was kind enough to give us as we came by 
her house. I was so unwell that I had but little 
appetite for any thing else. 

The Lieutenant-Governor and Lady. 

Wednesday, 18. We came on twenty-five miles to 
Cortlandt-town, where we saw the aged, venerable 
pair, the lieutenant-governor and his lady ; he is in 
his eightieth and she in. her seventy-eighth year. I 
had a very rocky ride over the mountains of Peeks- 
kill. I have great and sore temptations at times, 
but God is with me. I trust through grace to over- 
come them all. We stopped at Warren's ; fed, 
talked, prayed, and refreshed ourselves a little. 

Thursday, 14. This day is very warm. I preached 
at Peekskill-town upon the great salvation. Brother 
Whatcoat preached at Croton. We lodged at Gen- 
eral Van Cortlandt's. 

A Slight Accident. 

Saturday, 16. We pushed on with great courage 
toward New York, but when within six miles of the 
city my horse blundered twice, and then came down 
with great force and broke the shaft. I got out, and 
my horse recovered from his fall. A smith's shop 
being at hand the shaft was mended in an hour, and 
we came to New York and found our service was 
wanting in the city, there being here only two preach- 
ers, and one of them disabled. 



41 6 Character and Career of [1800. 

U. J.] Through New Jersey Again. 

Tuesday \ 19. We came off at five o'clock, and 
reached New Brunswick by twelve o'clock, where we 
dined and rested, and then continued on to Joseph 
Hutchinson's, at Milford, forty-six miles. We had a 
pleasant and cool ride for the season. 

Wednesday, 20. We came on to Hulet Hancock's ; 
and on Thursday reached Philadelphia. I preached 
at St. George's, and Bishop Whatcoat at the African 
Church. 

Pa.] Dutchmen Make Lively Methodists. 

Friday, 22. We rode to the Valley ; it was warm 
enough. Bishop Whatcoat preached at Daniel Mere- 
dith's. 

Saturday, 23. We had a proper siege up to Saw- 
derstown and got in by four o'clock. I gave a dis- 
course on Heb. x, 38, 39. 

Sabbath Day, 24. Bishop Whatcoat preached at 
Martin Boehm's church on Psalm lxxii, 16-20. We 
have now ridden, from Monday, one hundred and 
seventy miles. We lodged at Abraham Keaggay's. 
Our Dutch Methodists are as kind and more lively 
than many of the American ones. 

McL] Mr. and Mrs. (rough Mot at Home. 

Wednesday, 27. I preached at the Forks meeting- 
house (fifteen miles on a carriage road) warm as it 
was. Brother Whatcoat gave us a sermon on Psalm 
cxvi, 7 : " Return unto thy rest, O my soul." I ex- 
horted very little. The heat continued. That even- 
ing we came with equal difficulties to Perra Hall ; 
but the greatest trouble of all was that the elders of 



i8oo.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 417 

the house were not at home ; the walls, the rooms 
no longer vocal ; all to me appeared hung in sack- 
cloth. I see not the pleasant countenances, nor 
hear the cheerful voices, of Mr. and Mrs. Gough ! 
She is in ill-health, and writes : " I have left 
home, perhaps never to return." This intelli- 
gence made me melancholy. Mrs. Gough hath 
been my faithful daughter ; she never offended me 
at any time. 

Keyival on the Western Shore of Maryland. 

Saturday, 30. We had a most severe ride, nearly 
twenty miles, to Daniel Elliott's. At St. James's 
chapel God hath begun to pour out his Spirit, and 
almost generally through Montgomery and Frederick 
circuits. 

Wilson Lee is all upon the wing in the work : 
glory ! glory ! glory ! I will not speak of numbers or 
particular cases without more accurate information, 
which in my haste I cannot now obtain ; but without 
doubt some hundreds in three months have been 
under awakenings and conversions upon the Western 
Shore, District of Maryland. 

VaJ Good News from Virginia, 

Saturday, September 13. We rode to New London 
Academy, sixteen miles, now under the direction of 
Samuel K. Jennings, a local preacher of ours ; the 
institution belongeth to the Presbyterians and Episco- 
palians. R. Whatcoat preached. I was deprived of 
my rest the last evening, and very unwell, yet I 
gave a short discourse in exhortation. We have been 
going at such an unreasonable rate that I have not 
had time to put pen to paper for a week together. 

27 



41 8 Character and Career of [1800. 

Good news from the South District of Virginia ; 
Brother Jackson writes : " Two hundred souls have 
been converted this last quarter ; there is a revival in 
all the circuits but two, and great union among the 
preachers and people." I am kept in patience, faith, 
and love. 

"Only Uow and Then Sending Up a Message to Heaven," 

Friday, 19. We began at six o'clock to bend for 
Holston. It was computed to be forty miles distant. 
We came in about the going down of the sun at 
Father Carlock's, a German. For two days past we 
found we could not stop to dine ; we rested only to 
feed our horses. After we cleared the mountains w r e 
came upon the perpetual hills. I judge we may 
charge for one hundred and thirty miles from Edward 
Mitchell's, in Bottetourt, to Russel's old place upon 
Holston. We took Saturday to refit and write. 
Brother Whatcoat attended the meeting. My mind 
hath been kept in peace. I had enough to do to 
drive. I could think but little — only now and then 
sending up a message to heaven. 

Ky,] Bethel and Cofcesbury not Well Located. 

Friday, October 3. We came on to our Brother 
Howard's. We crossed Kentucky River at the 
mouth of Hickman ; it was so low that we forded it 
with ease. We have traveled in five days one hun- 
dred and forty-five miles. I have slept uncomfort- 
ably this week. 

Saturday, 4. I came to Bethel. Bishop Whatcoat 
and William M'Kendree preached. I was so dejected 
I could do little but weep. Sabbath day it rained 



i8oo.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 419 

and I kept at home. Here is Bethel : Cokesbury in 
miniature, eighty by thirty feet, three stories with a 
high roof and finished below. Now we want a fund 
and an income of three hundred per year to carry it 
on, without which it will be useless. But it is too 
distant from public places. Its being surrounded by 
the Kentucky River in part we now find to be no 
benefit. Thus all our excellences are turned into de- 
fects. Perhaps Brother Poythress and myself were 
as much overseen with this place as Dr. Coke was 
with the seat of Cokesbury. But all is right that 
works right, and all is wrong that works wrong, and 
we must be blamed by men of slender sense for con- 
sequences impossible to foresee — for other people's 
misconduct. Sabbath day, Monday, and Tuesday, we 
were shut up in Bethel with the traveling and local 
ministry and the trustees that could be called to- 
gether. We ordained fourteen or fifteen local and 
traveling deacons. It was thought expedient to carry 
the first design of education into execution, and that 
we should employ a man of sterling qualifications, to 
be chosen by and under the direction of a select 
number of trustees and others, who should obligate 
themselves to see him paid, and take the profits, if 
any, arising from the establishment. Dr. Jennings 
was thought of, talked of, and written to. I visited 
John Lewis, who lately had his leg broken ; I left 
him with good resolutions to take care of his soul. 

A Kunning Blister and a Long Bide, 

Friday, 10. We rode to Pleasant Run to John 
Springer's. It was a very warm day for the season. 
I had a running blister at my side, yet I rode and 



420 Character and Career of [1800. 

walked thirty-two miles. We refreshed ourselves at 
Crawford's tavern upon the way. We have visited 
Knox, Madison, Mercer, and Washington counties 
in this State. It was strongly insisted upon by 
preachers .and people that I should say something 
before I left Bethel — able or unable, willing or un- 
willing — accordingly, on Tuesday, in the academical 
hall, I gave a long temperate talk upon Hebrews 
x, 38, 39. 

Good Quarters, Pire, and Food. 

Wednesday, 15. We crossed Green River, the main 
branch of which riseth near the Crabb Orchard. We 
crossed at the mouth of Little Barren River. We 
then made a bold push for the Great Barren. Dining 
at Mr. Morrison's, I could not eat wallet-provision, 
but happily for me I was provided with a little fresh 
mutton at the house, made warm in a small space. 
A little after dark we came to Mr. Hagin's, upon Big 
Barren River. A good house, an excellent fire to 
dry our clothing, good meat and milk for supper, and 
the cleanest beds ; all this we had. I have paid for 
this route. 

Tenn,] A Trio of Good and Great Men. 

Sunday, 19. I rode to Nashville, long heard of but 
never seen by me until now. Some thought the 
congregation would be small, but I believed it would 
be large. Not less than one thousand people were in 
and out of the stone church, which if floored, ceiled, 
and glazed would be a grand house. We had three 
hours' public exercises : Mr. M'Kendree upon " The 
wages of sin is death;" myself on Rom. x, 14, 15 ; 
Brother Whatcoat on " When Christ, who is our life, 



1800.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 421 

shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in 
glory." We returned the same evening, after dining 
with Mr. M'Kain. I had a feeling sight of my dear 
old friend Greenhill and his wife. Who would have 
thought we should ever meet in this distant land ? 
I had not time, as formerly, to go to their house to 
eat and sleep. We had a night meeting at Mr. 
Dickinson's. 

Asbury Beaches his Thirtieth Tear of Labor in America, 

Monday, 20. We came by Manslick to Drake's 
Creek meeting-house at the close of a sacramental 
solemnity that had been held four days by Craghead, 
Hodge, Rankin, M'Gee, and Mr. Adair, Presbyte- 
rian officiating ministers ; we came in, and Brother 
M'Kendree preached upon Jer. iv, 14 ; after him 
Brother Whatcoat upon " We know that we are of 
God." I also spoke ; my subject was the work of 
God!' Last Sabbath was my birthday. This will 
make the thirtieth year of my labors in America. It 
is supposed there are one thousand souls present, 
and double that number heard the word of life on 
Sunday. 

Christian Union and Primitive Simplicity. 

Tuesday, 21. Yesterday, and especially during the 
night, were witnessed scenes of deep interest. In 
the intervals between preaching the people refreshed 
themselves and horses, and returned upon the ground. 
The stand was in the open air, embosomed in a 
wood of lofty beech trees. The ministers of God, 
Methodists and Presbyterians, united their labors 
and mingled with the child-like simplicity of prim- 
itive times. Large fires blazing here and there dis- 



422 Character and Career of [1800, 

pelled the darkness, and the shouts of the redeemed 
captives and the cries of precious souls struggling 
into life broke the silence of midnight. The weather 
was delightful : as if heaven smiled while mercy 
flowed in abundant streams of salvation to perishing 
sinners. We suppose there were at least thirty- 
souls converted at this meeting. I rejoice that God 
is visiting the sons of the Puritans, who are can- 
did enough to acknowledge their obligations to the 
Methodists. 

The Wilderness as the Garden of God to Asbury. 
Thursday, 30. We rode slowly on to Starr's, 
twenty-two miles, and had a heavy shower of rain on 
our way. From Monday morning to Thursday after- 
noon we have made one hundred and thirty miles. 
We have experienced no stoppage by water-courses, 
and have found the roads of the wilderness, their 
unevenness excepted, pretty good. And here let me 
record the gracious dealings of God to my soul in this 
journey. I have had uncommon peace of mind and 
spiritual consolations every day, notwithstanding the 
long rides I have endured and the frequent privations 
of good water and proper food to which I have been 
subjected. To me the wilderness and the solitary 
places were made as the garden of God, and as the 
presence-chambers of the King of kings and Lord of 
lords. 

Asbury's First Visit to Knoxville. 
Saturday, November 1. Came twenty miles to 
Knoxville, of which I had often heard and which 
mine eyes now saw. We visited my old friend 
Greer. 



i8oo.] Bishop Asbnry Illustrated. 423 

Sabbath Day, 2. I preached in the State House on 
Isa. lv, 6, 7. *I was very unwell, but was enabled to 
bear the heavy cross of public speaking. We had 
about seven hundred people in and about the house. 
We came off in haste, intending to make twenty 
miles that evening ; but Francis Alexander Ramsay 
pursued us to the ferry, franked us over, and took 
us to his excellent mansion — a stone house. It may 
not be amiss to mention that our host has built his 
house, and also takes in his harvest, without the 
aid of whisky. We were kindly and comfortably 
entertained. 

"An Ugly Accident," 

Thursday, 6. Crossed Nolachucky at Querton's 
ferry and came to Major Cragg's, eighteen miles. I 
next day pursued my journey and arrived at the 
Warm Springs, not, however, without an ugly acci- 
dent. After we had crossed the Small and Great 
Paint mountain, and had passed about thirty yards 
beyond the Paint Rock, my roan horse, led by Mr. 
O'Haven, reeled and fell over, taking the chaise over 
with him. I was called back, when I beheld the poor 
beast, and the carriage bottom tip, lodged and wedged 
against a sapling, which alone prevented them both 
being precipitated into the river. After a pretty 
heavy lift all was righted again, and we were pleased 
to find there was little damage done. Our feelings 
were excited more for others than ourselves. Not 
far off we saw clothing spread out, part of the loading 
of household furniture of a wagon which had over- 
set and was thrown into the stream, and bed-clothes, 
bedding, etc., were so wet that the poor people found 
it necessary to dry them on the spot. We passed 



424 Character and Career of [ 1 800. 

the side fords of French Broad and came to Mr. 
Nelson's. Our mountain march of twelve miles 
calmed us down for this day. My company was not 
agreeable here — there were too many subjects of the 
two great potentates of this western world — whisky 
and brandy. My mind was greatly distressed. 

H. OJ Only Twenty Appointments in a Thousand Miles. 

Friday, 14. We had no small labor in getting down 
Seleuda mountain. Arriving at Father Douthat's, on 
the south branch of Seleuda, I had leisure to reflect 
upon our western visitation. On the 16th of Septem- 
ber we set out from Botetourt, in Virginia, and on the 
14th of November we were in North Carolina, at the 
foot of the grand mountain division of South Carolina. 
In this time I presume we have traveled one thousand 
miles ; have had about twenty appointments, not 
many of which were large ; have lodged about twenty 
nights under strange roofs, or at houses of entertain- 
ment, and have expended about fifty dollars. 

Ga.] Augusta— Prospects of Methodism. 

Saturday, 29. Came twelve miles through deep 
sands to Augusta. We have traveled nearly one 
hundred miles since last Sabbath day. My soul hath 
been kept in great peace, but I feel the effects of riding 
a stiff, aged, falling horse with a sore back, and my 
saddle is old and worn. 

We have a foundation and a frame prepared for 
erecting, in a day or two, a house for public worship, 
two stories high, sixty by forty feet ; for this we are 
indebted to the favor of Heaven and the agency of 
Stith Mead ; and what is better, here is a small 
society. 



1800.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 425 

Augusta is decidedly one of the most level and 
beautiful spots for a town I have yet seen. It is of 
ample extent in its plan, well begun, and when their 
intentions shall be fulfilled of building a court-house, 
a college, episcopal churches for Methodists and 
others, it will do great credit to its founders and 
inhabitants. 

S. 0.1 General Conference Address on Slavery. 

Friday ; December 19. It rained. After it had 
holden up, we rode thirty miles to Benjamin Hern- 
don's, upon the waters of Enoree. 

Saturday and Sunday -, 20, 21. Held quarterly meet- 
ing. Brother Whatcoat spoke from 1 Thess. iii, 8. 
A very profitable improvement. On Sabbath day 
my choice was Acts iii, 22, 23. We continued about 
six hours at Bethel. I saw one of the members of 
the General Assembly of South Carolina, who 
informed me that our address from the General Con- 
ference had been read and reprobated, and further- 
more, that it had been the occasion of producing a 
law which prohibited a minister's attempting to in- 
struct any number of blacks with the doors shut, and 
authorizing a peace-officer to break open the door in 
such cases and disperse or whip the offenders. But 
more of this law when I see it. 

Between Two Pires— " Poor Bishop." 

Ttiesday, 30. Came to Camden. I have received 
several letters from the North : they bring small con- 
solation — " While he was yet speaking there came 
also another " — murmurs — complaints of partiality ; 
and with this I may console myself in the midst of 
unremitted and hard traveling and labor. I was pre- 



426 Character and Career of [1800. 

sented with a petition from about eighty male mem- 
bers of the society in the city of brotherly love, 
entreating me to do what I had no intention of doing ; 
that was, to remove Brother Everett from the city. 
How, indeed, was this to be done ? He and they had 
acquitted M. Manly of all the charges brought against 
him, and restored him to membership ; the presiding 
elder had also restored to office three or four elders 
who had been put out for murmurings and mischiefs, 
and had ejected the elder stationed in the city, and 
had filled his place by another ; and they had great 
congregations, great shoutings, and God was with 
them, and nearly one hundred had joined society. 
To all this what can we do but say, " Well done, good 
and faithful servant " and servants! Poor bishop! 
No money for my expenses. I am afflicted — my life 
threatened on the one hand, my brethren discon- 
tented on the other. True, I received from them a 
petition dipped in oil and honey, and if I approve all 
will be well ; but if not, drawn swords may be feared. 

Conference at Camden, 

Thursday y "January 1, 1801. We began our confer- 
ence with the new year. Sat from nine to twelve 
o'clock in the forenoon, and two hours in the after- 
noon ; the band-meeting was held between the hours 
of seven and eight. A clerk for the minutes was 
appointed, and another to keep the journal. We ad- 
mitted four probationers ; re-admitted two deacons 
to their standing in the traveling connection who 
had left it to locate ; located three, and re-stationed 
Gains, Wiley, and West, who had all located them- 
selves in the course of the last year. We had great 



i8oi.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 427 

union. Our sitting continued five days, and we 
rested one Sabbath. We were richly accommodated 
at Smith's and Carpenters, and two other houses. 
We only failed forty-eight dollars in paying all the 
preachers their demands. 

Dining on the Sand Hills upon Bread and Bacon, 

Wednesday, 14. We left Hanging Rock and came 
to Little Lynch and Flat Creeks, crossing the great 
branch at M'Meenas's Ford. This last is called a 
creek ; but it rises near the Waxaws, and flows about 
one hundred and fifty miles, mingling its waters with 
the Great Pedee below Port's Ferry. We had an ex- 
cessively warm day for the season. The horses and 
their riders were both fatigued much in riding forty 
miles in ten hours. We dined, at the root of a pine, 
upon a morsel of bread and bacon, and then re- 
mounted and pushed on to Anson in North Carolina. 
We sheltered ourselves for the night at Thomas 
Shaw's, upon Little Thompson's Creek. 

"Murmurs of Partiality"— Asbury's Defense. 

Saturday, 24. We have ridden since the com- 
mencement of the year one hundred and eighty miles 
in the Carolinas. 

Monday y 26. I find reasons enough in. my own 
mind to justify myself against the low murmurs of 
partiality in which some have indulged. We are 
impartial. We know not Maryland or Delaware, 
after the flesh, more than Kentucky, Cumberland, 
Georgia, or the Carolinas. It is our duty to save the 
health of preachers where we can ; to make partic- 
ular appointments for some important charges ; and 



428 Character and Career of [1801. 

it is our duty to embrace all parts of the continent 
and Union, after the example of primitive times and 
the first and faithful preachers in America. 

If. Snethen's Answer to James O'Kelly, 

Thursday \ February 5. I received the compilation 
of N. Snethen, intended as an answer to James 
O'Kelly. It is well done, except in a few cases. 
There was no sharpness at all upon my side with 
Doctor Coke at Charleston respecting the proposed 
general conference, which was afterward held, (in 
1792.) I was fully convinced that nothing else would 
finish the unhappy business with O'Kelly ; and that 
did finish it. 

"No More of Solomon than the Name." 

Friday, 13. At Ebenezer. The house was unfin- 
ished, and the day windy and uncomfortable. Brother 
Whatcoat and myself held the people nearly three 
hours. My text was Gal. vi, 14-16. 

A Solomon Reeves let me know that he had seen 
the Address signed by me, and was quite confident 
there were no arguments to prove that slavery was 
repugnant to the spirit of the Gospel. What absurd- 
ities will not men defend ! If the Gospel will tolerate 
slavery, what will it not authorize ? I am strangely 
mistaken if this said Mr. Reeves has more grace than 
is necessary, or more of Solomon than the name. 
We lodged for the night at William Gore's. 

N. 0.1 "Wilmington— The Tabernacle Crowded 

Wednesday y 25. We dined with General Smith — 
there was abundance and hospitality. We came into 



i8oi.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 429 

town. Jeremiah Norman gave us a sermon. Our 
tabernacle is crowded again. The minds of the 
people are strangely changed, and the indignation 
excited against us is overpast. The people see and 
confess that the slaves are made better by religion, 
and wonder to hear the poor Africans pray and 
exhort. 

Thursday, 26. I preached for the first time in our 
house, and for the second in Wilmington. My text 
was found in Acts xxvi, 17, 18. At eleven o'clock 
we were crowded, and I felt uncommon enlargement. 
One of the respectables came in the name of some of 
the reputables to request that I would preach in the 
brick church. I was weak — had spoken long and 
loud, and was more than ordinarily unwell — but 
Brother Whatcoat was unwell and not able to go out. 
We had a large congregation ; I lectured upon Rom. 
x, 1-4. In the evening, numbers, both white and 
black, came again to the tabernacle. After John 
Norman had preached, I read and commented upon 
two letters respecting the work of God in Delaware 
and Cumberland, in the West. 

"An American-made Methodist." 

Monday, March 9. We rode thirty-seven miles to 
Washington. In our way we crossed the Neuse, swift- 
ly and safely, at West's Ferry. At twenty-one miles 
we stopped to feed — high price and poor fare. We 
have ridden six hundred and fifty miles toward the 
fourth thousand since the Carolina Conference. Here 
Ralph Potts, a Northumbrian, (Old England,) but 
American-made-Methodist, received us as the angels 
of God. 



430 Character and Career of [1801. 

A " Flight Through Several Counties," 
Monday, 23. We made twenty-two miles to Samuel 
Simmons's. Our flight has carried us through Pas- 
quotank, Camden, and Currituck counties, in North 
Carolina, which we shall leave to-day. 
Ostervald's Christian Theology, 
April 5. I recollect having read some years since 
Ostervald's Christian Theology. Having a wish to 
transcribe a few seritiments in the work, I met with 
it, and extracted from chap. 2, page 317, what fol- 
lows : " Yet it cannot be denied that in the primitive 
Church there was always a president who presided 
over others who were in a state of equality with 
himself. This is clearly proved from the catalogues 
of bishops to be found in Eusebius and others. In 
them we may see the names of the bishops belonging 
to the principal Churches, many of whom were or- 
dained while the apostles (but especially John) were 
still living." So far Ostervald, who, I presume, was 
a Presbyterian. In Cave's Lives of the Fathers, and 
in the writings of the ancients, it will appear that the 
Churches of Alexandria and elsewhere had large 
congregations, many elders ; that the apostles might 
appoint and ordain bishops. Mr. Ostervald, who, it 
appears, is a candid and well-informed man, has gone 
as far as might be expected for a Presbyterian. For 
myself, I see but a hair's breadth difference between 
the sentiments of the respectable and learned author 
of Christian Theology and the practice of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. There is not — nor indeed, 
in my mind, can there be — a perfect equality between 
a constant president and those over whom he always 
presides. 



i8oi.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 431 

Asbnry Preaches the Funeral Sermon of Mr. Jarratt. 

Sabbath, 19. There had been put forth a printed 
appointment for me to preach the funeral sermon of 
the late Rev. Devereux Jarratt, who had lately re- 
turned to his rest. 

Mr. Devereux Jarratt was settled in Bath Parish, 
Dinwiddie county, Virginia, in the year 1763, and 
continued until February, 1801. He was a faithful 
and successful preacher. He had witnessed four or 
five periodical revivals of religion in his parish. 
When he began his labors there was no other, that 
he knew of, evangelical minister in all the province ! 
He traveled into several counties, and there were very 
few parish churches within fifty miles of his own in 
which he had not preached ; to which labors of love 
and zeal were added preaching the word of life on 
solitary plantations and in meeting-houses. He was 
the first who received our despised preachers ; when 
strangers and unfriended, he took them to his house 
and had societies formed in his parish. Some of his 
people became traveling preachers among us. I have 
already observed that the ministry of Mr. Jarratt was 
successful. I verily believe that hundreds were 
awakened by his labors. 

Md.] Conference at Pipe Creek. 

Thursday, 30. We arrived to dine at Alexander 
Warfield's, on Sam's Creek, and pushed on to Henry 
Willis's, on Pipe Creek, where it had been our inten- 
tion to open conference. 

We had about forty members present, and sat on 
Friday, Saturday, and Monday. On Tuesday morning 
we rose. We had great peace, and good news from 



43 2 Character and Career of [1801 

several circuits — revivals of religion. I was greatly 
supported in mind and body. On Sabbath day I 
preached from Matt, xxiii, 18-20. We had six elders 
present ; to wit, William Watters, John Phillips, 
Solomon Harris, Joseph Stone, John Cullison, and 
Alexander M'Caine. There was preaching every day 
and every night. Our own people and our friends in 
the settlement were equally kind, and we had rich enter- 
tainment. The settlement of Pipe Creek is the richest 
in the State. Here Mr. Strawbridge formed the first 
society in Maryland — and America. 

"How Strange!— How Merciful!" 
Wednesday, May 13. I preached once more at 
Josias W. Dallam's. I could speak with more faith 
than usual upon Acts ii, 37, for behold, Henry 
Watters's son, many years insensible to the things of 
God, was converted ! When we parted with Godfrey 
he looked after us with wishful, willing eyes and 
heart That the dear soul should sit nearly thirty 
years under the Gospel unconverted and almost un- 
concerned — how strange ! and should be at last visited 
and converted — how merciful ! 

" Pressing Out Life with Labor." 

Tuesday, 19. We came off, cool and calm, to Easton 
Brother Whatcoat preached. I gave an exhortation. 
We take a county and a circuit in a day. I can only 
say I am kept from murmuring and sinning ; but ah, 
it is like pressing out life with labor ! Such extraor- 
dinary exertions call for great Divine support for soul 
and body. O how sweet will be eternal rest to labor- 
ing souls ! 



i8oi.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated, 433 

Large Congregation in Dover, 

Monday, 25. Arrived in Dover we found the people 
collected at the meeting-house so numerous that they 
could not be well accommodated. We therefore ad- 
journed to the State House, where I spoke to them 
from Haggai ii, 5-9. Brother Whatcoat preached at 
the chapel, and I gave an exhortation ; and so ended 
the great meeting in Dover with us. 

Pa.] Philadelphia Conference— Asbury "in Patience and in 
Pain." 

Saturday, 30. Most excessive heat, through which 
we rode to conference in Philadelphia. 

Sabbath, 31. I preached in Fourth-street on John iii, 
19. I was very lame. On Monday, Tuesday, Wednes- 
day, Thursday and Friday, I attended the session of 
conference, but on Saturday I remained in my lodg- 
ings and ministered to my sore foot. Our conference 
was a gracious one. It appeared as if the preachers 
were unwilling to elevate their voices lest there should 
be an appearance of heat or anger ; yet with the 
greatest plainness would they differ from each other, 
calmly and in love. 

Sabbath, yune 7. I took up my cross, and stayed 

quietly in the house with a blister to my foot. We 

shall see if another operation will be necessary. 

Minutes and letters took up my attention. We 

elected and ordained eight deacons, and the same 

number of elders ; on account of my lameness it was 

done at my lodgings. We were well satisfied in the 

stationing of the preachers ; we received one from 

Canada, and sent three thither. 

28 



434 Character and Career of • [1801. 

Wednesday, 10. Doctor Physick applied a caustic 
to my foot. 

I wrote to Dr. Coke. My mind is greatly sup- 
ported under my own troubles and the afflictions of 
the Church ; nevertheless, the Lord appears glorious 
upon our continent, and my soul exults in Zion's 
prosperity. From the *jth to the 16th no regular 
journal. Our conference meets this day in New 
York, and here am I in Philadelphia, and here must 
I remain in patience and in pain. 

Del.] Goes Southward Again. 

Friday, July 31. After a serious confinement in 
Philadelphia of two months of trouble and affliction 
I took my departure and rode to the Wheatsheaf, 
where we breakfasted, and thence proceeded to Wil- 
mington, Delaware. I stopped with Allen M'Lean. 
I found Mr. Worrel very ill, and addressed him seri- 
ously on the concerns of his soul, commending him 
to God in prayer. After supper we went to John 
Miller's, in Newport. # 

August 1. I called upon Mr. M'Intyre. We talked, 
we prayed, and rejoiced in the work of God. I could 
not pass my old friend, Isaac Hearsey, without call- 
ing. We could with gratitude review the past, and 
dwell upon the present dealings of the Lord with us 
as a people, and say, What hath God wrought ! 

Mi] Asbury Sick at Perry Hall. 

Monday, 3. I came on to Perry Hall. Here were 
things to arrest my attention — out of sixty or seventy 
servants, many shouting and praising God. My 
dear Mr. Gough was somewhat unwell, Mrs. Carroll 



i8oi.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 435 

seriously ill, and her mother absent in attendance on 
old Mrs. Carroll at the Mount. 

I continued at Perry Hall from August 3 to Satur- 
day, 15. An intermittent fever came upon me every 
morning, and it was with difficulty I could attend to 
the performance of family and closet duties, Gough 
Hollady professed to find the Lord, and one or two 
more of the family appear to be earnestly seeking 
him. Our family, when in the chapel, makes a respect- 
able congregation. 

Out-door Preaching. 

Sunday, 16. I spent this day in Baltimore. My 
indisposition of body was amply compensated by 
the consolation I felt while holding forth upon Matt, 
v, 8 : ".Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall 
see God. ,, 

I had a desire to preach in the market-house upon 
Howard's Hill. I spoke to hundreds, perhaps thou- 
sands, upon Luke xiv, 21 : "Go out quickly into the 
streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the 
poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind." 
I thought it my duty, and I felt it a delight, to sanc- 
tion what the preachers do in preaching abroad ; I 
wished to do it in Philadelphia, and had appointed it, 
but some of the brethren made strong objections and 
it was abandoned. 

Episcopal Plan. 

Friday, 28. At Frederickton I spoke on Matt, xi, 
5, 6. Here I met with Bishop Whatcoat and Sylves- 
ter Hutchinson, and we formed a plan for our future 
journeys and labors. They to visit Maryland by the 



436 Character and Career of [1801. 

way of Baltimore and Annapolis, and thence on to 
Richmond and the towns on the route to Camden in 
South Carolina, and southward to Georgia ; I, in com- 
pany with Nicholas Snethen, to go out to the Western 
Conference in Nolachucky, then afterward cross over 
to the South. 

Va,] Asbury and the Local Preaohers. 

Sunday ', September 20. We came over the mount- 
ain to Salisbury, and preached at the Widow Rus- 
sell's. N. Snethen was greatly enlarged upon Luke 
xi, 3, 4. I was so feeble I had but little to say upon 
" Behold, now is the day of salvation." I was 
pleased to see our local brethren come forty and fifty 
miles to visit me. We met with joy, and parted in 
tears ! 

"Our Host Became Our Guide." 

Saturday, 26. We wrought down Mockison to the 
Gap, where the accumulated waters of the stream 
have, at some time, apparently burst their way 
through Clinch Mountain. After recrossing the 
north branch of Holston we stopped at John Wad- 
ley's and refreshed man and beast. Our host became 
our guide, and tripped over the hills with us in the 
rain, his mare barefoot, and himself without a saddle 
to ride on or a great-coat to shield him from the 
weather. At length we reached Charles Baker's, 
upon Main Holston, in safety. 

Term.] "Why should It Not Always be Thus?" 

Wednesday, 30. I spoke on Heb. ii, 1, and hasted 
on to Ebenezer to attend the conference. Our breth- 



i8oi.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 437 

ren in Kentucky did not attend ; they pleaded the 
greatness of the work of God. Twelve of us sat in 
conference three days, and we had not an unpleasant 
countenance, nor did we hear an angry word. And 
why should it not always be thus ? Are we not the 
ministers of the meek and lowly, the humble and holy, 
Jesus ? 

N. Snethen gave us two sermons. We ordained 
on Friday, Saturday, and Sabbath day, and upon each 
day I improved a little on the duties of ministers. 
On the Lord's day we assembled in the woods, and 
made a large congregation. My subject was Isa. 
lxii, 1. On Friday and Saturday evenings, and on 
Sabbath morning there was the noise of praise and 
shouting in the meeting-house. It is thought there 
are twenty-five souls who have found the Lord ; ihey 
are chiefly the children of Methodists — the children 
of faith and of many prayers. 

"Lame Peet and Old Peeble Joints." 
Tuesday, October 13. We came in haste up to Elder 
Davidson's, refreshed man and beast, commended the 
family to God, and then struck into the mountain. 
We came down Seleuda River near Seleuda Mount- 
ain. It tried my lame feet and old, feeble joints. 

S. 0.1 "Cotton Sells High-More Gold than Grace." 

Saturday, 24. We had to attend a meeting ap- 
pointed at Broad River circuit. N. Snethen spoke 
from 2 Tim. ii, 8. I only exhorted, and read a letter 
giving an account of the work of God in Kentucky. 

We have been working this week from Seleuda to 
Reedy River. I cannot record great things upon 



438 Character and -Career of [1801. 

religion in this quarter, but cotton sells high. I fear 
there is more gold than grace — more of silver than 
of " that wisdom that cometh from above." 



A Plan for Future Labors and Travels. 

Friday, 30. We came in haste to Daniel Baugh's. 
Here we met Bishop Whatcoat and Sylvester Hutch- 
inson, who had come along rapidly. At the meeting- 
house, where we spent about three hours, we were 
joined by Stith Mead. John Garven, and Lewis My- 
crel. Now we formed a plan for future labors and 
travel. It was concluded that Bishop Whatcoat should 
go from the center, east to Savannah and St. Mary's, 
while I go west, in Georgia. 

Ga.] Methodism nourishing in Augusta. 

Saturday, 31. We came to Augusta. On the Sab- 
bath day N. Snethen preached, after which I gave 
a few thoughts upon " My house shall be called a 
house of prayer for all people.' , N. Snethen spoke 
again in the afternoon on "The choice of Moses." 
Bishop Whatcoat held forth at night. We have a 
very large and most elegant house in this place, for 
which we are indebted chiefly to the generosity of 
the inhabitants. Our congregations are most respect- 
able and very attentive, but I heard of no conver- 
sions. The time for this is not yet come. 

Asbury an Englishman— Can't Help It. 

Saturday, November 8. I suppose we have now 
traveled twelve hundred miles since leaving Philadel- 
phia. I often have it whispered in my ear what cer- 
tain folks are pleased to say of my being an English- 



i8oi.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 439 

man. How can I help that ? I am not ashamed of it. 
But I am seeking souls and Zion's glory. 

Another Episcopal Plan, 

Saturday, 14. We came to Park's meeting-house. 
Brother Blanton spoke on John xii, 35 ; my subject 
was Heb. vi, 11, 12. We have traveled about one 
hundred miles since our entrance into Georgia, pass- 
ing through parts of Richmond, Columbia, Lincoln, 
Elbert, and Franklin counties. The evenings and 
mornings have been cold ; the people, however, are 
extremely kind. I have experienced great sensible 
enjoyment of God — our cabins are courts when Jesus 
is there. In my ministry I have been greatly assisted ; 
but unless I am more temperate in my talk, in tone 
and time, I shall not be able to manage more than 
every other day. 

In a serious conference with Bishop Whatcoat, N. 
Snethen, Lyle, Hutchinson, and myself, it plainly 
appeared that the best way in future would be to 
meet at the Virginia Conference, and thence continue 
together to the New York Conference, after which 
one might go to the East and the other to the West- 
ern Conference. The Bishop who went east would 
then visit the Eastern States and lake country, and 
thence onward to Pittsburg and the Virginia dis- 
tricts ; the Bishop who goeth west will visit over the 
Blue Ridge, Holston, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, 
South and North Carolina, to the conferences in the 
center of the work, where both will meet again. In 
this we all agreed. It was also determined that each 
Bishop should always have an elder as a traveling 
companion. 



44° Character and Career of [1801. 

"Why Should a Living Man Complain?" 

Thursday, 19. We found at Tidwell's a very open 
house in the woods. I spoke from Acts iii, 26. At 
Freeman's, next day, we had another open house, 
lately put up, where Brother Blanton held forth upon 
" The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint." 
My subject was Isaiah xxxv, 3-6. We started, hun- 
gry and cold, crossing at Malone's mill a branch of 
Oconee, and came to Henry Pope's in Oglethorpe. 
We have ridden about eighty miles this week of 
short and cold days. Why should a living man com- 
plain ? but to be three months together upon the 
frontiers, where, generally, you have but one room 
and fire-place, and half a dozen folks about you, 
strangers perhaps, and their family certainly, (and 
they are not usually small in these plentiful new coun- 
tries,) making a crowd — and this is not all ; for here 
you may meditate if you can, and here you must 
preach, read, write, pray, sing, talk, eat, drink, and 
sleep — or fly into the woods. Well ! I have pains in 
my body, particularly my hip, which are very afflict- 
ive when I ride ; but I cheer myself as well as I 
may with songs in the night. In this country are 
seen evident traces of a great population which has 
some time existed before the present discoverers and 
settlers of America. 

S. 0.] Strong Faith for the Prosperity of Zion. 

Thursday, December 17. At Jacob Barr's, upon 
Edisto, I spoke from 2 Tim. iv, 7, 8. Few people. In 
Georgia "I groaned, being burdened;" but my con- 
gregations were considerably larger, my rides shorter, 



i8oi.] Bishop Asbufy Illustrated. 441 

and the people abundantly more feeling and fervent 
than they are here. I have ridden eighty sand-hill 
miles. The weather is very changeable ; I feel my 
old age and infirmities ; my eyes and feet are feeble ; 
but, glory to God ! I have strong faith for myself and 
for the prosperity of Zion. 

An Observation of John Wesley. 

Saturday, 26. We came to Westone's meeting- 
house to hold our quarterly meeting ; many people 
attended at noon and at night. I have made a proper 
visit through Edisto, which I had not before done. I 
find the truth of an observation made by dear John 
Wesley to Doctor Coke upon his going to Nova 
Scotia ; the Doctor said he did not think highly of 
the place. "That is because you have never been 
there," replied Wesley ; " when you are there you will 
think and feel for the people." 

Conference in Camden. 

Friday, January 1, 1802. We opened conference. 
I gave a discourse upon Isa. lxvi, 1-3. We con- 
ducted our business in great peace, and upon the 
Sabbath day were ready for the ordination of seven 
elders and seven deacons. The members of our 
conference with a few others made up our congrega- 
tions, to whom we preached at noon and at night 
each day. N. Snethen spoke on " Many shall run to 
and fro, and knowledge shall be increased," and also 
on the hidden leaven. Our finances were low. The 
married and single preachers were paid up, but there 
was no surplus for the children. On Tuesday, $tk, 
we concluded our labors in the greatest harmony. It 



442 Character and Career of [1802. 

was thought best to divide South Carolina into two. 
districts, one called Seleuda, the other Camden. 
They were placed under the president eldership of 
two natives of the State, James Jenkins and George 
Dougherty. 

Pains and Pleasures in a Small Gompass. 
Saturday, 9. We reached Georgetown. I shall put 
our pleasures and our pains in a small compass. We 
were but four days riding one hundred and twenty 
miles ; the weather is like April. I have now made 
one thousand nine hundred miles. My soul hath 
been surprisingly stayed upon and devoted to Je- 
hovah. 

N. 0.] Asbury's Expectation Eealized, 

Saturday, 16. We attended a meeting at Charlotte- 
ville meeting-house. N. Snethen spoke upon " Faith, 
hope, and charity ; " I followed on " Let us come 
boldly to the throne of grace." We have ridden a 
solitary, sandy way about a hundred and ten miles, 
and in three meetings there were not many more 
than one hundred souls. O Lord, can these dry 
bones live ? I trust the seed sown in the hearts of 
some will live and grow to the glory of God and the 
good of generations to come to the end of time. I 
have now filled up two thousand miles of the three 
thousand I had calculated to be the distance from 
and back again to Philadelphia. Hitherto I have 
been mightily helped. 

" Parewell to that House Forever." 

Sabbath, 24. N. Snethen spoke upon Rom. viii, 6, 7. 
I gave an exhortation upon John v, 39, 40. It was 



i8o2.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 443 

not at all agreeable to me to see nearly a hun- 
dred slaves standing outside and peeping in at the 
door, while the house was half empty. They were 
not worthy to come in because they were black ! 
Farewell, farewell to that house forever ! 

Encouraging Prospects at Uewbern, 

Sabbath Day, 31. Cold and cloudy. I gave a ser- 
mon upon Rom. ii, 7, 8. N. Snethen spoke from 
Heb. xiii, 16, and in the evening on 1 John iv, 10, II. 
We made a public collection which amounted to 
nearly sixty dollars, and parted from our brethren, 
whom we left full of good resolutions to finish the 
house of God. The African Methodists also were 
about to build a place of worship. Truly we are en- 
couraged ; our people are stirred up, and judges, 
counselors, doctors, and ministers attended , our 
preaching and appeared to be pleased. 

Va.] Conference at Salem— Deficiency of Preachers. 

Sunday y February 28. At Salem. 

Monday, March 1. We began and held close con- 
ference four days, and had preaching each day. 
Bruce, Lee, Jackson, and Snethen were our speakers, 
and there was a shaking among the people. Seven 
deacons and one elder were ordained. I was well 
pleased with the stations as far as they went, but 
Portsmouth, Bertie, Roanoke, Haw River, Guildford, 
and Salisbury should each have had an additional 
preacher if we had them ; yea, Petersburg, Hanover, 
Williamsburg, and Richmond also ; but the Lord 
hath not sent them, and how can we make them ? 
There was a great strictness observed in the examina- 



444 Character and Career of [1802. 

tion of the preachers' characters. Some were re- 
proved before the conference for their lightness and 
other follies. 

John Lee's Funeral Sermon. 

Thursday ', 18. I dined at friend Nixon's, where I 
was kindly entertained. I left my kind host and 
came on to Petersburg. 

Next day, by appointment, I preached John Lee's 
funeral sermon. My text was Philippians ii, 22 : 
" But ye know the proof of him, that as a son with 
the father hath he served with me in the Gospel." 

McLl Conference at Baltimore— Statistics. 

Sabbath, 28. I had uncomfortable feelings, oc- 
casioned by a cold I had taken. Upon my watch- 
tower in Light-street I stood and delivered a message 
on James v, 19, 20. I wrote and rested until Thurs- 
day, the first day of April, when our yearly conference 
commenced. We went on with our business smoothly 
and rapidly, and had preaching each noon and even- 
ing in every Methodist house for public worship in 
the city. 

Monday, April 5. We had a day of fasting and 
humiliation for the conference, the continent, and the 
Church of God. I improved the occasion, and spoke 
from Acts xiv, 23. On Monday evening the confer- 
ence rose. All the demands of the preachers were 
answered. Money was advanced toward the purchase 
of horses. To those who had distant circuits and far 
to go donations were made, and nearly two hundred 
dollars very liberally sent to the Monmouth confer- 
ence which is to meet in July next. Within the 
circling lines of this conference we report to this 



i8o2.] Bishop Asbzcry Illustrated. 445 

sitting an addition to the society of three thousand 
souls and upward, besides those who may have died 
within the last eleven months. 



Death of Asbury's Mother— Tribute to her Memory. 
John Pawson's letter, and fifty copies of a volume 
of sermons, came safely to hand. His and other 
letters concerning the work of God I read to my 
brethren. While in Baltimore I received an account 
of the death of my mother, which I fear is true. 
And here I may speak safely concerning my very 
dear mother. Her character to me is well known. 
Her paternal descent was Welsh ; from a family an- 
cient and respectable, of the name of Rogers. She 
lived a woman of the world until the death of her first 
and only daughter, Sarah Asbury. This afflictive 
providence graciously terminated in the mother's con- 
version. When she saw herself a lost and wretched 
sinner she sought religious people, but " in the times 
of this ignorance" few were "sound in the faith " or 
" faithful to the grace given." Many were the days 
she spent chiefly in reading and prayer ; at length 
she found justifying grace and pardoning mercy. So 
dim was the light of truth around her, from the as- 
surance she found, she was at times inclined to 
believe in the final perseverance of the saints. For 
fifty years her hands, her house, her heart, were open 
to receive the people of God and ministers of Christ, 
and thus a lamp was lighted up in a dark place called 
Great Barre, in Great Britain. She was an afflicted 
yet most active woman, of quick bodily powers and 
masculine understanding. Nevertheless, " so kindly 
all the elements were mixed in her," her strong mind 



446 Character and Career of [1802. 

quickly felt the subduing influences of that Christian 
sympathy which " weeps with those who weep," and 
" rejoices with those who do rejoice." As a woman 
and a wife she was chaste, modest, blameless ; as a 
mother (above all the women in the world would I 
claim her for my own) ardently affectionate. As a 
" mother in Israel" few of her sex have done more 
by a holy walk to live, and by personal labor to sup- 
port the Gospel and to wash the saints' feet. As a 
friend she was generous, true, and constant. Eliza- 
beth Asbury died January 6th, 1802, aged eighty- 
seven or eighty-eight years. There is now, after fifty 
years, a chapel within two or three hundred yards of her 
dwelling. I am now often drawn out in thankfulness 
to God, who hath saved a mother of mine, and, I 
trust, a father also, who are already in glory, where I 
hope to meet them both. 

Va.] Eastern Shore of Virginia, 

Friday, 23. Bishop Whatcoat preached at the meet- 
ing-house in Diamond Town, Eastern Shore, to a 
numerous audience. That evening we had to ride 
twenty miles to Mr. Watts's, upon Chincoteague, but 
the Lord was in the family and blessed the people. 
We have a most pleasing prospect in Accomac. A 
general revival is going through the county. Next 
day we had a heavy ride to Snow Hill. Our new 
meeting-house not being finished, I preached in the 
court-house to many serious people upon Phil, i, 6. 
After worship we rode on to Isaac Bowman's, fifteen 
miles, and lodged at Dr. Wilson's plantation, now in 
the possession of Mr. White. 



i8o2.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 447 

Md.] A Great Time at Bowen's Chapel. 

Sunday, 25. We had a great time at Bowen's chapel. 
There were present about one thousand souls, to 
whom Brother Whatcoat preached. I read a letter 
and gave an exhortation. We came on nine miles 
to William Leicester's that evening. 

Del.] A Trip Through Delaware. 

On Monday we had to ride to the Sound chapel, 
where we found a large congregation ; the prospect 
of religion here is good. In the evening we reached 
Mr. Lacey's, near the head of Indian River, making 
little short of thirty miles for our day's ride. 

On Tuesday, Brother Whatcoat went to Lewistown, 
while myself preached at Milford. 

Wednesday, 28. I preached at Dover on Ephes. 
v, 1, 2 ; thence I hastened to Duck Creek Cross 
Roads, where I spoke in the evening. 

Pa.] Conference in Philadelphia— The Academy. 

Saturday, May 1. Our conference opened on the 
first of May. We had an increase of probationers. 
In two sittings we did not get through the first ques- 
tion : Who are admitted upon trial ? We appointed 
a committee of five to manage the temporal concerns, 
and recommended a day of fasting and prayer to be 
observed on the fourth of May, for the conference, 
the Church in general, and the continent at large. 
By a hasty calculation I find I have ridden three 
thousand three hundred and three miles, from and 
returning to Philadelphia. 

To my happy surprise, George Roberts and John 
M'Claskey came forward and moved that the breth- 



448 Character and Career of [1802. 

ren of the city who had bought the academy should 
have the offer of a preacher. The conference at once 
agreed that the superintendents of the Methodists 
of the United States should make them an overture 
upon the best terms ; there was but one dissenting 
voice. 

H", J.] A Sudden Choice of Subjects. 

Monday y 10. We came on to Clemmell, dined at 
Robert Newell's, and attended our appointment at 
three o'clock. Brother Whatcoat made an improve- 
ment upon Isaiah xxv, 20, 21. My mind was in an 
unexpected manner led to John ii, 15. 

Tuesday \ 11. We rode to Henry Frith's and dined, 
after which we attended our appointment at Salem. 
My mind here was overruled on my subject ; I made 
a sudden choice while I was singing a hymn of 1 Cor. 
vii, 29-31. We had many serious people at Salem. 
We returned to Henry Frith's and lodged there. 

Pa.] At Pittsgrove, 

Wednesday, 12. We had a blessed rain, but not 
pleasing to ride through to Humphrey's meeting- 
house at Pittsgrove. Bishop Whatcoat preached 
upon the abundant entrance ; I only exhorted upon 
the seasons, natural and spiritual, and read Mr. 
Hodges's letter. We lodged at Joseph Newkirk's. 

N.J.] At " Crosswicks." 

Monday, 17. Through heavy, continued rain, we 
came on to Crosswicks. We dined with Mr. Lovell, 
and after drying our clothes, about two o'clock went 
to the meeting-house. Here we found a fire and a 



i802.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated, 449 

stove, and warmth and comfort. How different this 
from visiting an open house in the woods, with wind 
and rain beating upon you, and sitting in your damp 
dress and a damp house for three hours, after which 
you are to ride five or ten miles to a bad lodging, 
where you are to dry yourself and find comfort if 
you can ! 
N. T.] On Staten Island. 

Saturday, 22. We came upon Staten Island at the 
old Blazing Star. I called at the mansion of Justice 
Wright, where I had been entertained and where I 
had preached almost thirty-one years past. I was 
thankful to find Mrs. Wright happy in God although 
afflicted in body. Here I saw the third generation 
rising into accountability ; we prayed, and were 
comforted together. We housed for the night with 
Joseph Totten upon the south side. 

N. J.] "Wonders Will Never Cease." 

Monday, 24. I came to Elizabetown. Unwell as I 
had been on the Sabbath evening, and deprived of 
rest, I was expected to preach at eight o'clock ; my 
subject was Ephes. ii, 10. Wonders will never cease. 
Nothing would serve but I must marry Thomas Mor- 
rell to a young woman. Such a solitary wedding, I 
suppose, has been but seldom seen. Behold Father 
Morrell, seventy-five — Father Whatcoat, sixty-six — 
Francis Asbury, fifty-seven — and the ceremony per- 
formed, solemnly, at the solemn hour of ten at night. 

S". T.l Memorable Names in the Early History of Methodism. 

Friday, 28. I spoke in John-street upon 1 Thess. 
ii, 4-9. 

29 



450 Character and Career of [1802. 

Sunday, 30. After Bishop Whatcoat had preached, 
I read letters respecting the great revival of religion 
westward and southward. The death of Sarah Hutch- 
inson gave occasion to my preaching her funeral ser- 
mon at the Bowery church in the afternoon. The 
deceased was the daughter of Frederick Devoe, 
whose house and family in New Rochelle were the 
first to receive and welcome the Methodist preachers, 
and thus became the gate by which we have had such 
an abundant and permanent entrance into the State 
of New York. After sitting under the ministry of 
the Gospel above thirty years, the saint, as I was 
informed by her sister, Hester Wilson, died very 
happy in God. 

Yearly Conference in John-street. 

Tuesday, June 1. We opened our yearly confer- 
ence in John-street meeting-house, and continued 
our labors in great peace and union. We have a 
large admission of preachers upon trial as travelers. 
At this conference there are twenty-two, and in six 
conferences sixty-three. 

Saturday, 5. We had a day of solemn fasting and 
prayer for the Church, the conference, the continent, 
and for the world, upon the eve of which I preached 
from 2 Cor. ii, 14, 15, with great plainness, and so 
much fire as made my earthly tabernacle very restless 
through the night. John M'Claskey gave us the first 
sermon upon Joel ii, 15-17. 

Stinday, 6. We had a love-feast at eight o'clock, 
preaching at ten o'clock, and sacrament at twelve 
o'clock. Some good shakings went through the 
house, but there was nothing very signal. The col- 



i8o2.] Bishop '■ As bury Illustrated. 451 

lection for the preachers gave occasion to a sermon, 
which I must needs preach ; it was done upon 1 Cor. 
xvi, 14. I attended and read a letter at the Bowery- 
church, where a collection for the same purpose was 
also made. At six o'clock I preached in the North 
River church on Luke xi, 13, and so we closed our 
labors in the city. But instead of a page, it would 
require a volume to tell the restless tossings I have 
had — the difficulties and anxieties I have felt about 
preachers and people here and elsewhere — alternate 
joy and sorrow — but I have been supported — I am 
done ; I am gone — New York, once more, farewell ! 

Asbnry Journeys Eastward. 

Monday, 7. We had a very warm, dusty ride to 
the Widow Sherwood's, where we held meeting at 
four o'clock. 

As it appeared to be the wish and will of this con- 
ference that I should be at that of Monmouth, I 
desired N. Snethen to go upon my appointments. 

Conn.] Students of M Tale " Under the Ministry of Saml. Merwin. 

Wednesday, 9. We were at James Banks's, Byram 
River. Bishop Whatcoat preached ; I only exhorted, 
and read a letter. Next day I preached at the Old 
Well, at Absalom Day's, near Norw T alk, upon Acts 
iii, 26. I had to walk out at eight o'clock in the 
night to a crowded school-house. There has been a 
small stir here ; and now, among Congregational- 
ists, Episcopalians, and Methodists, it is who shall. 
Brother Whatcoat was very ill with a bilious fever. 
I was afraid of pushing him too swiftly. 

Friday, 1 1. With the kind family of Mr. Jocelin we 



45 2 Character a7id Career of [1802. 

rested two hours in New Haven. I was pleased to 
hear that the students of Yale College, as many as 
ninety or one hundred, had been under gracious im- 
pressions. They would come to hear the Methodists, 
and, like other very genteel people, mock and deride ; 
but God struck some of the vilest of them by the 
ministry of Samuel Merwin. This may be denied ; 
but it is known to God, and to their own consciences. 

E, I,] Meeting at Cranston. 

Saturday, 19. To General Lippet's, at Cranston, 
twenty-eight miles. 

Sunday, 20. I opened the meeting at half past ten 
o'clock ; then followed the ordination, then the sacra- 
ment, after which Brother Whatcoat preached upon 
Eph. iii, 8. My subject was 2 Cor. iii, 11, 12. 

Mass.] Asbury in Boston. 

Monday, 21. We dined at Mr. Turpin's in Provi- 
dence, and came on to Joseph Guild's in Attle- 
borough, making a journey of about twenty-six miles. 
Next day, after a heavy, hungry, weary, dusty ride, 
we reached Boston. I closed the labors of the day 
by a sermon from 1 Peter, and had two Baptist and 
three Methodist preachers to hear me. It was an 
open time. 
U. H.] Across the State. 

Monday, 28. We came away in haste to Green- 
land, breakfasted, resumed our journey, passing 
through Berwick, and brought up at Deacon Clarke's, 
in Wells ; and thus one day's ride of fifty-one miles 
brought us across the State of New Hampshire. 



l8o2.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 453 

Me.] Conference in an Upper Koom. 

Wednesday, 30. We had a racking ride of about 
forty-five miles to Monmouth. Our breakfast we 
took at Gray, and dined with Mr. Bradbury at New 
Gloucester. 

Thursday, July 1. Our conference continued three 
days. We held it in the upper room of Sewell Pres- 
cott's house. We had fifteen members and nine 
probationers. The married preachers who came de- 
ficient to our conference received about one hundred 
and twenty dollars ; the single brethren about sixty- 
two dollars ; and the probationers a small donation 
of two dollars each, which came from far. The whole 
of my doing was to read two letters, exhort a little, 
and examine the deacons, Samuel Hillman, John 
Gove, Gilman Moody, and Joseph Baker, whom 
Brother Whatcoat ordained. 

Sunday, 4. We concluded with a love-feast, sacra- 
ment, and the ordination of five elders, to wit : Com- 
fort Smith, Epaphras Kibby, Daniel Webb, Asa 
Heath, and Reuben Hubbard ; they kneeled outside 
at the door of the house, and received the imposition 
of hands from myself and the elders present. May 
they open the door of the Church of God in disci- 
pline, and the way to heaven by preaching the Gos- 
pel ! Five sermons were preached through the day. 

U. H,] George Pickering's Name Appears. 

Tuesday, 6. We passed through Scarborough, Saco, 
Kennebunk, Wells, Berwick, and Somersworth, which 
last is in New Hampshire ; thence onward through 
Dover, Madbury, Lee, and Epping. 



454 Character and Career of [ 1 802. 

Thursday, 8. We held a meeting at Captain Foggs, 
in Epping ; my subject was Titus ii, 2. George Pick- 
ering spoke in the evening from 1 Cor. xv, 34. After 
preaching we rode twelve miles to Hawke. On our 
route next day to Waltham we passed through Kings- 
ton, Plasto, Haverhill, Andover, Wilmington, Wo- 
burn, Lexington, and Lincoln, nearly completing 
another thousand miles. We shall have a great open- 
ing in New Hampshire, and a district formed there 
in a few years. 

Mass.] The Law of Ohurch Eates Opposed, 

Monday, 12. We came through Needham. George 
Pickering stopped to demand the Church rates taken 
from the Methodists, amounting to one hundred dol- 
lars or upward. This is to pay the Independent 
ministers, whose forefathers fled from Episcopal tyr- 
anny ; yet, be it known unto all men, their children's 
children are risen up and glory in supporting the 
Gospel according to law, Happy the descendants who 
condemn not themselves by doing that which their 
ancestors disallowed ! We lodged at Mr. Sterne's, 
at Milford. 

Conn.] Asbury's Footsteps in Litchfield County. 

Saturday, ij, and Sunday, 18. We held quarterly 
meeting, Litchfield circuit. The Sabbath day congre- 
gation was small, owing to the rain after the great 
heat. I spoke from 2 Thess. hi, 1. We had feeling 
times and hearts, and a living love-feast. In heat 
and in haste we rode on to Colonel Burrell's, in 
Canaan, and there lodged. 

Monday, 19. We came to Brother Church's, near 
the Falls of Housatonic River. Our route led us 



i802.] • Bishop As bury Illustrated. 455 

through Salisbury and Sharon, across the line into 
the State of New York. 

U. TJ At Travelers' Eest— Billy Hibbard. 

Tuesday, 20. We rested at Travelers' Rest, upon 
the solitary banks of Hudson, with my dear friends 
Freeborn Garrettson and his prudent, pious wife. 
We have heat, heat, great heat ! 

Wednesday, 21. I preached upon 2 Cor. iv, 7. It 
was an ordination sermon at the setting apart of 
Billy Hibbard to the office of an elder. It is exceed- 
ingly warm and the zenith of harvest, yet we had a 
congregation. 

Three Sermons in New York City. 

Sabbath, 25. In New York I preached at John- 
street on Rev. iii, 17-20; at three o'clock, at the 
Bowery church, on Isaiah lv, 6, 7 ; at the African 
church, at six o'clock in the evening, on 1 Thess. i, 5. 
It rained at times through the day, which prevented 
more from attending. It was a day of life to me. 

ST. J.] A Brief Stop— "A Word or Two and Prayer." 

Thursday, 29. I stopped at Burlington ; had a 
word or two with my friends, and we commended 
each other to God in prayer. I came on in haste 
and sickening heat to Mr. Manly's " Travelers' Rest," 
arriving about twelve o'clock. The fever has re-ap- 
peared in Philadelphia. I hear great times have 
been known in Dover — above one hundred and fifty 
souls have felt the operations of Divine grace at the 
annual meeting upon the day of Pentecost, and great 
times also at the Milford quarterly meeting. 



45 6 Character and Career of [1802. 

Pa.] Asbury's First Sermon in the Academy at Philadelphia. 

On Sunday morning, according to appointment, I 
preached for the first time in the college church (or 
Academy.) My subject was Exod. xx, 24. After 
sermon we had sacrament. We had seriousness 
and attention. In the afternoon I preached at St. 
George's ; a gust came up and few attended. In the 
evening I rode out to Mr. Manly's. 

Md.] Trials from Every Point of the Compass. 

Wednesday, August 4. I crossed the Susquehanna, 
dined with Mr. Smith, and reached Perry Hall in the 
evening. I have one day I can call my own. I write, 
I read, I think, and refit for the mountains. My 
mind is in great peace, and has been so kept in all 
my labors ; and my trials, which come from almost 
every point of the compass, shall be as various winds 
to waft me to the haven of rest. 

A House of Worship at Last. 

Sabbath, 15. At Fredericktown I once more spoke; 
my subject was 1 Cor. i, 23, 24. Here then, at last, 
after more than thirty years' labor, we have a house 
of worship and thirty souls or upward in fellowship. 

Va.] Interview with Mr, O'Kelly. 

Friday, 20. We called at John Millburn's. Next 
day, at Millburn's meeting-house, I spoke upon Heb. 
x, 35, 36. We lodged at William Tylers. On Sun- 
day, in the meeting-house at Winchester, at eleven 
o'clock, I preached from Titus ii, 13, 14. We had 
the sacrament Many felt, and gave glory to God. 



i802.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 457 

In the afternoon, under the shady trees, westward of 
the town, not a few attended — rulers and people. 
I read two letters and preached from Psalm lvi, 16. 
Mr. O'Kelly having been taken ill in town, I sent two 
of our brethren to see him, by whom I signified to 
him that if he wished to see me I would wait on 
him. He desired a visit, which I made on Monday -, 
August 23. We met in peace, asked of each other's 
welfare, talked of persons and things indifferently, 
prayed, and parted in peace. Not a word was said 
of the troubles of former times — perhaps this is the 
last interview we shall have upon earth. I have heard 
of the flight of thousands from the city of Philadel- 
phia ; and that all the churches, save the Episco- 
palian, the Quaker, and the Methodist, are shut up. 
George Roberts still continues in the city. O my 
God, keep him and his family alive in the day of 
pestilence ! 

"Fourteen Times Over the Mighty Mountains." 

Friday, September 10. We came to Charles Hardy's, 
upon Holston. I found the people praising God. A 
blessed revival had taken place. Fourteen or fifteen 
times have I toiled over the mighty mountains, and 
nearly twenty years have we labored upon Holston, 
and lo, the rage of wild and Christian savages is 
tamed, and God hath glorified himself! 

Saturday, 11. I rode to the Salt Works, perhaps 
for the last time. Alas ! there is little salt here, and 
when Sister Russell is gone, will there be any left ? 
But a few miles from the works, up the middle ridge, 
they have built a meeting-house, and there is a re- 
vival of religion. 



45 8 Character and Career of [1802. 

Nearly Five Thousand Miles! 
I make my calculation upon four thousand nine 
hundred miles from July 30, 1801, to September 12, 
1802. If a living man and a Christian might dare to 
complain 

Term.] Presbyterian Ministers Preaching at Conference. 

Saturday, October 2, We rode forward to Station 
Camp and found the conference seated. I was able 
to ordain by employing Brother M'Kendree to ex- 
amine those who were presented, and to station the 
preachers — I hope for the^ glory of God, the benefit 
of the people, and the advantage of the preachers. 
The conference adjourned on Tuesday. 

Improvised Tents. 
Monday, 18. We took our departure at five o'clock, 
and rode to Shaw's, where we got corn in the ear at 
a dollar per bushel. We continued on until half past 
six o'clock, then stopped, struck a fire, and encamped 
under a heavy mountain dew, which, when the wind 
shook the trees, fell like rain upon us. Brother 
M'Kendree made me a tent of his own and John 
Watson's blankets, and happily saved me from taking 
cold while I slept about two hours under my grand 
marquee. Brother M'Kendree threw his cloak over 
the limb of a tree, and he and his companion took 
shelter underneath and slept also. I will not be rash, 
and brave the wilderness again without a tent. 



-Vfe) 1 - 



Asbury Meets with an Accident. 
On Ttiesday, after riding fifty miles, a part of ninety- 
three miles in two days, we came about eight o'clock 
to West Point. An accident, extraordinary in the 



l802.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 459 

manner and desperate in the effects happened to me. 
At a rocky run, in attempting to dismount, my horse 
gave a sudden turn and swung me against the rocks 
in the stream. The rude shock to my tender feet 
made me roar bitterly. My horse was low before, 
tender-footed, and tired — the hills were steep and 
rugged, and I was sore by riding. These circum- 
stances combined caused so much pain that when 
we came on Wednesday to the Grassy Valley I cast 
anchor, with a determination to give up Georgia and 
to go by a straight line to Camden Conference to be 
held January I, 1803. 

Lifted from his Horse like a Helpless Child. 
I sent word to James Douthat to explain to the 
elders of Georgia and South Carolina my situation. 
I also dispatched John Watson to meet Brother 
Snethen, and give him my plan to fulfill the appoint- 
ments in Georgia ; but behold, Brother Snethen had 
had a fall from his horse, and was left lame upon the 
road ! I have been sick for twenty-three days ; ah ! 
the tale of woe I might relate. My dear M'Kendree had 
to lift me up and down from my horse like a helpless 
child. For my sickness and sufferings I conceive I 
am indebted to sleeping uncovered in the wilderness. 
I passed so quickly along that many people scarcely 
more than beheld me with their eyes, yet these were 
witness to my groans, and sometimes dumb, I opened, 
not my mouth. I could not have slept but for the aid 
of laudanum. Meantime, my spirits and patience 
were wonderfully preserved in general, although I 
was sometimes hardly restrained from crying, " Lord, 
let me die ! " for death had no terrors, and I could 
not but reflect upon my escape from the toil and suf- 



460 Character and Career of [1802. 

ferings of another year. I had no sad forebodings 
of the ills which might befall the Church ; it is the 
Lord's, not mine. I am no longer young. I cannot 
go out as at other times. I must take the advice of 
friends, who say, spare thyself. I have ridden about 
five thousand five hundred miles, and in the midst of 
all I am comforted with the prospects of the Western 
Conference. We have added three thousand mem- 
bers this year, have formed Cumberland into a dis- 
trict, and have sent a missionary to the Natchez. 

Asbury Preaches to a Group of Travelers. 

Tuesday, November 2. We rode through New Port, 
the capital of Cock county, forded French Broad at 
Shrine's ferry, and came, cold and without food for 
man or beast, to John O' Haven's ; but O the kind- 
ness of our open-hearted, open-handed friends ! 

Wednesday, 3. We labored over the Ridge and the 
Paint mountain. I held on awhile, but grew afraid 
and dismounted, and with the help of a pine sapling 
worked my way down the steepest and roughest part. 
I could bless God for life and limbs. Eighteen miles 
this day contented us, and we stopped at William 
Nelson's, Warm Springs. About thirty travelers 
having dropped in, I expounded the Scriptures to 
them, as found in the third chapter of Romans, as 
equally applicable to nominal Christians, Indians, 
Jews, and Gentiles. 

Visits from House to House, 

Thursday, 4. We came off about the rising of the 

sun — cold enough. There were six or seven heights 

to pass over, at the rate of five, two, and one mile an 

hour, as the ascent or descent would permit. Four 



i802.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 461 

hours brought us at the end of twelve miles to 
dinner, at Barnett's station, whence we pushed on to 
John Foster's, and after making twenty miles more 
came in about the going down of the sun. On Friday 
and Saturday we visited from house to house. 

"Two Sticks and a Good Providence." 
Tuesday, 8. I dined at Benjamin Davidson's, a 
house I had lodged and preached at two years ago. 
We labored along eighteen miles ; eight ascent on 
the west side, and as many on the east side of the 
mountain. The descent of Seleuda exceeds all I 
know from the Province of Maine to Kentucky and 
Cumberland. I had dreaded it, fearing I should not 
be able to walk or ride such steeps ; nevertheless, 
with time, patience, labor, two sticks, and above all a 
good Providence, I came in, about five o'clock, to 
ancient Father John Douthat's, Greenville county, 
South Carolina. Here I found myself at home 
among kind and attentive friends. 

S. 0.] Six Thousand Miles Nearly Completed. 

I have heard of successful meetings which have 
been held by encampments upon the Catawba, at 
Morgantown, Swannano, Pendleton, and Greenville, 
in North and South Carolina ; ministers of the dif- 
ferent denominations had attended. More circum- 
stantial accounts I have not yet been able to obtain. 
Mr. Newton, a Presbyterian minister in Buncombe 
county, appears to be greatly engaged in the spirit 
of the work. I have now nearly completed the six 
thousand miles since the last of July of the last 
year. Great and fiery trials ; great succeeding con- 
solations. 






462 Character and Career of [1803. 

Conference at Camden— Statistics, 
Thursday, December 30. Rode to Camden. On 
Friday I read in public some letters narrative of the 
work of God. 

Thursday, January 6, 1803. I wrote three large 
letters to the north, and put myself in order for trav- 
eling. From Saturday until Wednesday the time was 
spent in conference and in public exercises. We had 
preaching every noon and evening ; seven elders and 
four deacons were ordained. Of preachers, two were 
admitted and one had located. We had great peace 
and union in our labors, two days of which were 
directed to the explanation and recommendation of 
discipline as it respects the order of the Church. We 
have added in this conference three thousand three 
hundred and seventy-one to our number. 

H". C] "I Smile at the Simplicity of our Friends." 

Tuesday, February 8. I sometimes smile at the 
simplicity of our friends. They would love us to 
death, in company and in labors too. They cannot 
do too much, it would seem, to express their kind- 
ness ; and in return, we are to be such immortal men 
as never to be weary and never to complain. 

Cake and Cheese by the "Way. 

Thursday, 1 7. We took a south-west course, through 
ice, snow, and frost, and the wind in our faces, and 
arrived at Lot Ballard's at half past three o'clock. 
Here our appointment at the chapel was for twelve 
o'clock. 

Friday, 18. Finding it was but forty-two miles to 
Newbern we concluded to push for it. I rose early, 



1803.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated, 463 

ordained J. Wilden to the office of deacon, and 
started. I had had thoughts of calling at a certain 
house, but being fearful we had not the time to spare, 
we stopped and fed on the ground. With a little 
cake and cheese, and some corn for our horses, we 
came in fine spirits to Newbern. 

VaJ An Objection as Old as Methodism. 

Friday, March 11. As we had two appointments I 
preached at Deacon Haslet's, to many people, on 
I Pet. v, 10. We had a consoling, gracious season. 
Brother Snethen preached at Suffolk. I was sur- 
prised to hear that some who had separated from us 
should have reported that the new meeting-houses 
would belong to the Bishops, and that they might sell 
them. These reports* were offered by some, not of 
the connection, as reasons which prevented their sub- 
scribing, and our brethren have therefore determined 
to build without the aid of others. What our ene- 
mies accuse us of intending to do they have already 
done in some cases and attempted in others. 

Bad Eoads and Hungry Travelers. 

Monday, 21. We traveled, very unwell, to Mr. Wal- 
tall's, near Chesterfield court-house. Rested in part, 
and then divided our ride to Richmond into a journey 
of two days. We arrived on Tuesday, and I preached 
at twelve o'clock to ma'ny serious people on Titus ii, 
10-13. N. Snethen preached at seven o'clock. Next 
day we came along to Caroline, thirty-five miles. In 
the morning it rained, and the day was wintry and 
dreary ; we saw the wagons sinking and set fast, for 
in many places the route was dreadful ; but we wor- 



464 Character and Career of [1803. 

ried through, feeding our horses once and ourselves 
not at all. Next day I preached once more at Dick- 
enson's chapel ; my subject was Heb. iii, 12-14. 

I feel my infirmities and the labor of my journeys, 
but my soul is cast upon the Lord in unceasing 
prayer that God may guide the Church, and give the 
spirit of wisdom and love and zeal to our conferences. 
We only, as we think, want more useful laborers in 
the vineyard, and thousands will be brought home to 
God in the cities, circuits, and towns this year. I 
lodged at the Widow Collins's. 

Friday, 25. We rode to Fredericksburg and dined, 
and then pushed on to Stafford court-house, making 
forty miles this day. Next day we gained Alexan- 
dria, eating nothing between seven o'clock in the 
morning and seven at night. 

Mel] Baltimore the Banner Conference in Finances. 

Tuesday, 29. We reached Baltimore, forty-five 
miles, stopping an hour on our way at the Widow 
Turner's. We have ' traveled about three hundred 
miles toward eight thousand miles. 

Tuesday, April 12. It is sufficiently proved that, 
upon our present plan, unless the preachers exert 
themselves, every conference in the Union, except 
that of Baltimore, will be insolvent in its finances. 
In the late and last year's conferences they have had 
a surplus here ; they have supported wives, widows, 
and children, and in the present instance have sup- 
plied the contingencies of those preachers who have 
gone to distant parts, besides giving one hundred 
dollars to the Philadelphia, and as much, each, to the 
conferences of New York r.nd Boston. I can say, 



1803.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 465 

hitherto the Lord hath helped us through deeps, des- 
erts, dangers, and distresses. I have told but a small 
part of our labors and sufferings — let the great day 
of eternity reveal the rest ! 

Yesterday I preached at Gatch's chapel on 1 Peter 
v, 10. We then came on to Perry Hall. To-day we 
have had a meeting here. Brother Whatcoat preached 
upon Col. ii, 6. My mind is solemnly stayed upon 
God. 

Asbury's Estimate of the Superintendence 

On Wednesday we parted with the elders at Perry 
Hall. I had preached on 2 Cor. xii, 9, 10. We rode 
on to Deer Creek, and halted for the night with 
Harry Watters. 

My mind is in a great calm after the tumult of a 
Baltimore conference, and the continual concourse 
of visitors and people to which my duty subjected 
me. I have felt deeply engaged and much self-pos- 
session ; indeed, age, grace, and the weight and 
responsibility of one of the greatest charges upon 
earth ought to make me serious. 

Caprice and Display Unacceptable to the Bishop, 
Tuesday, 19. I spoke at the Manor chapel on 1 Cor. 
xiv, 15. After meeting, we crossed Bohemia and 
Sassafras Rivers and housed with Robert Moody. 
My mind is kept in peace ; I only seek to please 
and to serve my fellow-men as faithfully and impar- 
tially as I can. 

Wednesday, 20. My subject at the new chapel, 
George Town Cross Roads, was 1 Tim. iv, 2. We 
had a living season. Our brethren from Chester 

Town came to meet us, to convey us forward with 

30 



466 Character and Career of [1803. 

more ease. Save me from parade ! the greatest 
good-will and the kindest intentions, will never make 
it acceptable in my eyes ; I choose rather to go on in 
my own way, though I suffer for it. 

A Conference of One Hundred Preachers. 

Thursday, 28. I preached at Foster's chapel on 
1 Pet. i, 4, and came along to Major Mitchell's, in 
Caroline ; the wind was east, the evening cold, and I 
unwell. At Denton I took to bed awhile ; we con- 
tinued on, however, and reached Choptank. On 
Saturday I rode, under great bodily affliction, to 
Duck Creek Town. I sat in our conference, held in 
the Friends' meeting-house, four days. We had 
nearly one hundred preachers, traveling and local, 
present for the transaction of business. Twelve elders 
and twelve deacons were ordained. 

Pa,] A Searching Sermon at St. George's. 

Tuesday, May 10. We came into the city of Phila- 
delphia ; the rain brought on my intermitting fever ; 
yet, unwell as I was, conditional appointments had 
been made by my friends ; but instead of the pulpit I 
took to my room. My journey from Baltimore to 
this city has brought me over about three hundred 
and fifty miles. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and 
Saturday, I remained in Philadelphia, most of the 
time confined to my room. I crept out upon the 
Sabbath day, and preached at St. George's on 2 Pet. 
i, 5-9 ; my voice was weak, and some could not hear ; 
but it was a searching sermon and in season. We 
set out on Monday, and reached Burlington by twelve 



1803.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 467 

o'clock. I crossed over and preached in our new 
house in the solitary town of Bristol. James Ster- 
ling and Thomas Ware accompanied me. 

U, T.] Ho Improvement Discernible, 

Tuesday, 17. We rode to Joseph Hutchinson's, and 
next day came to Elizabethtown and lodged at Mr. 
Crowell's. On Thursday we reached New York. 

On Friday and Saturday I did a little in writing, 
talking, planning, and thinking. I can hear, see, or 
feel no more of religion here than there was last 
year. I signed a memorial for the obtaining in the 
court a legal claim to ^300 left by Miss De Peyster 
for the bishops and clergy of the Methodist Church, 
to be appropriated in the best manner for the good 
of the society. 

Conn.] The Bishops neither Popes nor Politicians. 

Friday, 27. Finding the road, by information, to 
be rocky and hilly, we were persuaded to come back 
to the post-road. We therefore directed our course 
down through Greenfield and Bridgeport to Stratford, 
and arriving at Elkanan Wheeler's, we were willing 
to rest ; thirty miles of our journey we made without 
feeding man or beast. My health is better. The 
Baptists of Connecticut have sent their petition from 
the Assembly to the Legislature of Connecticut to 
the bishops of the Methodist Church, that they may 
have their aid in obtaining toleration. What can we 
do, and how is it our business ? We are neither 
popes nor politicians. Let our brethren assert their 
own liberties. 



468 Character and Career of [1803. 

Mass.] Boston Conference— Ordination of Joshua Soule, 

Wednesday, June 8. We came through dust to 
Boston, and as eighteen members were present we 
opened the conference in our solitary little chapel. 
We sat six hours a day for the dispatch of business, 
and there was preaching at eleven and five o'clock 
and in the evening. It was all new, but nothing 
special appeared. 

Saturday y 11. We ordained Joshua Soule and Na- 
than Emory elders, and Edward Whittle deacon. As 
our work was done, and we were feeble, we came 
away to Waltham. We have an increase of five hun- 
dred members. The great wants of Boston are good 
religion and good water. 

N, E.] What Industry and Economy will Do. 

Thursday y 16. We came to Ebenezer Colburn's, 
New Hampshire, and I preached upon Titus ii, n, 12. 
Next day we labored through extreme heat, and over 
high hills, to Marlborough, and were glad to rest our- 
selves at Ebenezer Herrick's, opposite the west side 
of the great mountain called Monadnick. This por- 
tion of the State of New Hampshire is full of hemlock 
swamps, and I question if any part of the Alleghany, 
south, is more broken ; the roads, however, are greatly 
improved, and there is a turnpike extending from 
Boston to Keene. The soil, though barren, exhibits, 
in its abundant productions of grass, oats, barley, rye, 
and potatoes, what the arm of labor and habits of 
economy and industry will do ; out-doors there is a 
well-kept stock of cattle, sheep, and hogs, and in- 
doors you see plenty of cheese, butter, and milk, and 
fish from the mill-ponds, which are wonderfully fre- 



1803.]. Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 469 

quent, producing the finest trout and pike ; the people 
are pictures of health, and appear to be of the old 
English stamina. 

Quarterly Meeting— Elder Ostrander. 
Saturday, 18. We journeyed through the vale and 
pleasant town of Keene, and climbed along, height 
after height, toward Walpole ; seven miles off, upon 
the south-west, we turned and came to Westmore- 
land, and held our quarterly meeting for Chester- 
field circuit at Jonathan Winchester's, brother to the 
famous Universalist of that name. I opened the 
meeting in a new barn upon Titus ii, 13, 14. On the 
Sabbath we were crowded from seven o'clock in the 
morning until three in the afternoon ; the wind from 
the south-east blew in at the door, and it rained 
withal. Brother Whatcoat and Elder Ostrander 
preached before, and the young men exhorted after 
love-feast and the sacrament 

VtJ Quite in the Old Style. 

Wednesday, 22. We had a meeting at a school- 
house near to Joseph Jacob's, in Guilford ; Brother 
Whatcoat preached upon the perfect law of liberty, 
and we had a gracious season. 

U , YJ Seventy Preachers in Conference. 

Friday, July 1. We opened our conference at John 
Baker's, in the Holloway, prettily environed with 
hills, a carpet of green spread beneath, and here and 
there around us fields clothed with the promise of an 
abundant harvest. We finished our business on Tues- 
day, public and private ; there were nearly seventy 



47° Character and Career of [1803. 

preachers and fifty members. On the Sabbath day 
perhaps we had two thousand hearers ; the house 
was filled with women, and the men stood without. 
I stood in the door, and spoke to them fromi Tim. 
iv, 1 1, 12 ; but I had been overcome by twelve hours* 
a day constant attention to business in the confer- 
ence, and spoke with pain. 

Statistics— Asbury's Ambition, 

Monday \ 11. We rose at four o'clock, and came off 
at six, and at twelve stopped at Mr. Ostrander's ; in 
this happy family we found the Son of peace. We 
came on to New Windsor, (through Newburg,) to John 
Ellis's, making forty miles. I have traveled about 
two hundred miles through the State of New York. 
By a fair computation I judge that we have added, 
exclusive of the dead, the removed, and the expelled 
and withdrawn, 17,300. Our total for the year 1803 
is 104,070 members. In 1771 there were about 300 
Methodists in New York, 250 in Philadelphia, and a 
few in Jersey. I then longed for 100,000; now I 
want 200,000 — nay, thousands upon thousands. 

N. J.] Preaches at Trenton. 

Saturday y 16. We were driven into Jonathan 
Bunn's by a blessed rain. On the Sabbath day, at 
Trenton, my subject was 2 Cor. xi, 17. 

Pa,] "Heat, Dust, and Turnpike Gates." 

Monday \ 18. I must here, in Philadelphia, labor with 
the pen, answer letters, and refit for the Western 
Conference. 

Friday, 22. We left the city. During my three 



1 803 .] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 47 1 

days' stay I preached once at the Academy. On the 
Great Valley Road we stopped at Brother Geiger's, 
and housed for the night with an exceeding kind 
German family by the name of Kenagee. On Satur- 
day we found heat, and dust, and turnpike-gates 
(twelve in seventy-five miles) as usual. 

Sabbath, 24, we spent at Soudersburg. I spoke on 
Psalm li, 9-12. Here Bishop Whatcoat concluded 
he must stop, or go on with me and die by inches. 

Asbury at Carlisle. 

Friday, 29. We had a sultry ride to Carlisle. Henry 
Boehm preached in the evening. Next day, at eleven 
o'clock, I gave them a sermon from Col. iii, 12-14; 
in the evening Wilson Lee spoke. 

On the Sabbath we had a prayer-meeting at five 
o'clock ; James Smith preached at eight o'clock ; I 
spoke on 2 Cor. vi, 2, and Wilson Lee in the afternoon ; 
we had excessive heat, but the people were very at- 
tentive. I have read the half of the " Portrait of St. 
Paul ! " O inimitable Fletcher — in preaching, writing, 
in living, and in dying ! 

Eeligious Condition of Pennsylvania. 

August 2. On Tuesday morning at four o'clock we 
set out to scale the mountains. We passed a little 
town called Strasburg, and another called Emmets- 
burg ; here we stopped, and I laid myself down upon 
the floor to rest. Intense heat, rugged mountains, 
and a wasting dysentery almost overcame me. I feel, 
and have felt thirty-two years, for Pennsylvania — the 
most wealthy, and the most careless about God and 
the things of God ; but I hope God will shake the 



47 2 Character and Career of [1803. 

State and the Churches. There are now upward of 
twenty German preachers somehow connected with 
Mr. Otterbein and Martin Boehm ; but they want 
authority, and the Church wants discipline. 

Asbury's Legacy— Who Wants It ? 
Tuesday, 9. At Murphy's barn I spoke on 1 Cor. 
vii, 29-31. Although much afflicted I felt wholly 
given up to do or suffer the will of God : to be sick or 
well, and to live or die at any time and in any place — 
the fields, the woods, the house, or the wilderness. 
Glory be to God for such resignation ! I have little 
to leave, except a journey of five thousand miles a 
year, the care of more than a hundred thousand souls, 
and the arrangement of about four hundred preachers 
yearly, to which I may add the murmurs and discon- 
tent of the ministers and people. Who wants this 
legacy ? Those who do are welcome to it for me ! 

Camp-Meeting on the Monongahela, 

Friday, 9. Our camp-meeting began to-day. The 
ground chosen was William Jackman's, near the old 
fort upon the Monongahela ; it was upon a beautiful 
eminence the great stand was erected, and a second 
one to the left, concealed by the trees. On Saturday 
I preached to about one thousand hearers. My text 
was Isa. lv, 12. The Sabbath was wet in the morn- 
ing, but, clearing away, both stands were occupied, and 
there might be in the two congregations nearly four 
thousand people. There was a visible impression 
made upon many, and we hope fifty souls were con- 
verted to God. On Tuesday we came away, while 
others were coming to the ground. Thornton Flem- 



1803.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 473 

ing and James Quinn went back and preached. We 
came to Samuel Hammond's. 

Pittsburg—" It is Time we had a House of our Own." 
Saturday, 27. We had a dry, sultry ride to Pitts- 
burg. In the evening William Page preached. In 
the court-house I spoke on the Sabbath day to about 
four hundred people. My subject was 1 Chron. 
vii, 14. I would have preached again, but the Epis- 
copalians occupied the house. I come but once in 
twelve years, but they could not consent to give way 
for me. It is time we had a house of our own. I 
think I have seen a lot which will answer to build 

upon. 

An Aged Presbyterian. 

Monday, 29. I came down and crossed at the old 
fort, the point of confluence of the rivers Monon- 
gahela and Alleghany, whence these united waters 
flow under the appropriate name of Ohio, beautiful. 
I crossed Sawmill and the Shirtee, and passed the 
lands of General Nevill. At John Wrenshall's I found 
an agreeable hostess and lovely children. Riding up 
the road I met an aged Presbyterian, who told me 
that religion was at a great height in Mr. Wood's 
congregation, that yesterday under preaching several 
fell down. He asked my opinion of the work. I re- 
plied, that in my judgment any person who could not 
give an account of the convincing and converting 
power of God might be mistaken. Falling down 
would not do. We agreed in sentiment. 

Va,] In Brook and Ohio Counties. 

Monday, September 5. We rode ten miles to John 
Beck's, near West Liberty. I preached on Acts 



474 Character and Career of [1803. 

iii, 26. One soul who had been convicted at our 
quarterly meeting professed to find peace with God, 
and shouted glory ! with a loud voice. On Tuesday I 
preached near this place to a crowd at John Spaugh's. 
I came with Rezin Pomfrey down the great hill to the 
Ohio. Wednesday brought us to Charlestown, the 
capital of Brook county, situated at the mouth of 
Buffalo, eighty miles from Pittsburg. We found the 
Ohio so low that the boat of Colonel Lewis, who is 
going to explore the Mississippi, would not float over 
the flats. 

Ohio.] Asbury Preaches in a " Presbyterian Tent," 

Thursday, 8. I reached Steubenville, and preached 
on Luke xix, 10. As the court-house could not con- 
tain the people we went to a Presbyterian tent, for 
which, as the "Jews and Samaritans have no deal- 
ings " in this country, we must ask pardon. I was 
invited to dine with Mr. Bezaleel Wells, one of the 
proprietors of this town, and the rich occupant of a 
large mansion which if rough-cast would be grand. 
The rivers and streams were never lower than now. 
My mind is greatly engaged with God in public and 
private, but I feel the power of Satan in these little 
wicked western trading towns. 

Introduction of Slaves Prohibited. 
Tuesday, 20. Was a day of settled rain. We 
sought shelter at Edward Teal's. Next day, having 
two appointments, we set out and got bewildered in 
the woods, and lost our way upon Mount Pleasant. 
We judged it best to take the path to New Lancaster, 
and to try to secure our second appointment at Broad 
Cole's. After riding about twenty miles, and again 



1803.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 475 

missing our way, we came in at three o'clock, and I 
preached upon Luke xi, 13. I took lodging at Mr. 
Daniel Van Meeter's. Mr. Van Meeter told me that 
a boy had cultivated about twelve acres, which would 
yield him about seven hundred bushels of Indian 
corn. Now what do these people want with slaves ? 
They have wisely prohibited their introduction into 
the State. 

American Enterprise in the State of Ohio. 

Wednesday, 28. We crossed the Ohio into the 
State of Kentucky, Fleming county, stopping at 
Salathiel Fitch's. It is wonderful to contemplate 
the effects of American enterprise exhibited in the 
State of Ohio. It is but four years since Zane 
opened the road for the general government through 
the wilderness so lately called, and now there are the 
towns of Marietta, at the mouth of the Muskingum, 
of about one thousand houses ; Cincinnati, contain- 
ing as many ; Hamilton, of five hundred houses ; and 
many others whose names are scarcely fixed. 

Ky.] Conference and Conversions. 

Thursday, 30. We came through Bourbon county. 
I crossed Licking River by the Salt Works, and rode 
thirty-three miles to B. Coleman's, at Mount Gerizim, 
to attend the Kentucky Conference. This was a heavy 
ride, without food for man or beast until we reached 
home. 

Monday, October 3. We entered fully upon our con- 
ference work, but I had to preach nevertheless. We 
had preaching every day, and the people continued . 
singing and prayer, night and day, with little inter- 
mission. On Wednesday the meeting closed. We 



476 Character and Career of [1803. 

hope there were twenty souls converted to God, be- 
sides five who are reported to have been converted 
at a family meeting. Our conference ended on 
Thursday, the 6th, 

Missionaries Appointed to Natchez and Illinois. 
Saturday, 8. I felt my mind devoutly fixed on God. 
I accomplished two things in conference, namely : 
1. Forming the Ohio circuits into a district ; 2. Send- 
ing two missionaries to Natchez and one to the Illi- 
nois, as the minutes of the present year will show. 

Tenn.] A Description of Western Emigration, 

Friday, 14. We came to Hunt's, at Claiborne's court- 
house, and next day reached Martin Stubblefield's. 
What a road have we passed ! certainly the worst on 
the whole continent, even in the best weather ; yet, 
bad as it was, there were four or five hundred cross- 
ing the rude hills while we were. I was powerfully 
struck with the consideration that there were at least 
as many thousand emigrants annually from east to 
west. We must take care to send preachers after 
these people. 

N. 0.] Asbury's Eetnrn from the Western World. ■ 

Friday, 28. We came up Little River, a sister 
stream of French Broad. It offered some beautiful 
flats of land. We found a new road, lately cut, which 
brought us in at the head of Little River, at the old 
fording-place, and within hearing of the falls, a few 
miles off the head of Matthews Creek, a branch of 
the Seleuda. The waters, foaming down the rocks 
with a descent of half a mile, make themselves heard 
at a great distance. I walked down the mountain, 



1803.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 477 

after riding sixteen or eighteen miles before break- 
fast, and came in about twelve o'clock to Father John 
Douthat's. Once more I have escaped from filth, 
fleas, rattlesnakes, hills, mountains, rocks, and rivers. 
Farewell, Western World, for awhile ! We are twelve 
hundred and seventy miles from Philadelphia. 

S. 0.1 A House of Worship Built by one Man. 

Friday, November 4. We recrossed the branches 
of Tiger and Enoree Rivers, and came along a crip- 
pling path to Thomas Terry's, near the Fork Shoals 
of Reedy River. We have a new frame house, thirty 
by twenty-four feet, built for worship, on Mount 
Terry. This has been erected in pursuance of my 
last year's advice, and by one man. To-morrow we 
shall open our new house. 

The Preachers' House in Charleston a Paradise. 

Friday, 18. We came to Mr. M'Quinn's, and next 
day reached Charleston, after riding thirty miles 
without rest or food for man or beast. I took pos- 
session of the new house built for the preachers near 
the new chapel. 

Sunday, 20. I went once more to Cumberland- 
street house, and had gracious feelings while ex- 
pounding 1 Pet. v, 10. My stay being short, I attended 
in the afternoon and spoke upon David's repentance, 
as recorded in Psalm li, 9-1 1. This also was a sea- 
sonable time, and all were attentive. Brother Ken- 
drick spoke in the new church in the afternoon, and 
Brother Dougharty in the old church at night, while 
the new church was occupied by Brother Darley. 
All this labor was, we hope, not in vain ; some ap- 



478 Character and Career of [1803. 

peared to be in distress. Who knows what God will 
yet do for wicked Charleston ? I continued a week 
in Charleston, lodging in our own house at Bethel, 
receiving my visitors, ministers and people, white, 
black, and yellow ; it was a paradise to me and to 
some others. 

Ga,] Hews of the Progress of the Work of God. 

Friday, December 2. We reached our place of desti- 
nation. My mind is calm, and hath been kept in a 
praying frame. By letter from Philip Bruce I learn 
that the work of God has promising appearances in 
the eastern and western districts of North Carolina, 
but abundantly more so in the south district of Vir- 
ginia. At a kind of camp-meeting, held at Woolsey 
Barn, (but now Ellis's chapel more properly,) there 
have been, report says, one hundred whites and a 
number of blacks converted to God. At Guilford 
quarterly meeting thirty, and as many within a short 
space at Norfolk, brought to Christ. But still larger 
accounts are received of the work of the Lord in this 
State ; this, however, may be more fully known by 
reference to Stith Mead's narrative letters on the 
subject. My lodging in Augusta is with Peter Can- 
talou, a friend from France. 

Difference Between a Pope and a Methodist Bishop. 
Thursday, 15. I will make a few observations upon 
the ignorance of foolish men, who will rail against 
our Church government. The Methodists acknowl- 
edge no superiority but what is founded on seniority, 
election, and long and faithful services. For myself, 
I pity those who cannot distinguish between a Pope 
of Rome and an old worn man of about sixty years, 



1803.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 479 

who has the power given him of riding five thousand 
miles a year, at a salary of eighty dollars, through 
summers heat and winter's cold, traveling in all 
weather, preaching in all places ; his best covering 
from rain often but a blanket ; the surest sharpener 
of his wit, hunger — from fasts voluntary and invol- 
untary ; his best fare, for six months of the twelve, 
coarse kindness ; and his reward, from too many, 
suspicion, envy, and murmurings all the year round. 

Bishop Coke at the Augusta Conference. 

January 4, 1804. We met for conference. Bishop 
Coke preached in the morning and in the afternoon 
at Johns, (the old house,) Augusta. 

On Monday we opened our conference in Mr. Can- 
taloup house. We conducted our business in great 
harmony, and did it hastily. There was preaching 
every evening, and the bishops bore their share of 
ministerial labors. Elders and deacons were ordained. 
I found little difficulty in stationing the preachers. 
The conference rose at eleven o'clock on Thursday, 
and I took the road to Swearingham's, eighteen miles. 
On Friday I reached Williams's, and on Saturday, 
Columbia. Sabbath day found me in bed, confined 
by a deep cold and an affection of my breast. A 
cold, hungry ride brought us to Camden on Monday. 
I gave Bishop Coke a plan for a journey as far as 
Boston, before the General Conference. 

Asbury's Eeasons for a Life of Celibacy. 

Friday, 27. We reached Georgetown. I have suf- 
fered in my flesh, and have had "deep waters" of a 
temporal and spiritual nature to wade through. 



480 Character and Career of [ 1 804. 

If I should die in celibacy, which I think quite 
probable, I give the following reasons for what can 
scarcely be called my choice: I was called in- my 
fourteenth year ; I began my public exercises be- 
tween sixteen and seventeen ; at twenty-one I trav- 
eled ; at twenty-six I came to America — thus far I 
had reasons enough for a single life. It had been 
my intention of returning to Europe at thirty years 
of age ; but the war continued, and it was ten years 
before we had a settled, lasting peace — this was no 
time to marry or be given in marriage. At forty- 
nine I was ordained superintendent bishop in Amer- 
ica. Among the duties imposed upon me by my 
office was that of traveling extensively, and I could 
hardly expect to find a woman with grace enough to 
enable her to live but one week out of the fifty-two 
with her husband ; besides, what right has any man 
to take advantage of the affections of a woman, make 
her his wife, and by a voluntary absence subvert the 
whole order and economy of the marriage state, by 
separating those whom neither God, nature, nor the 
requirements of civil society permit long to be put 
asunder? — it is neither just nor generous. I may 
add to this that I had little money, and with this 
little administered to the necessities of a beloved 
mother until I was fifty-seven. If I have done wrong, 
I hope God and the sex will forgive me. It is my 
duty now to bestow the pittance I may have to spare 
upon the widows and fatherless girls, and poor mar- 
ried men. 
B". 0.1 Asbnry's "Work Oppresses Him. 

Monday^ February 27. At Gardener's bridge I spoke 
to many hearers on Luke iv, 18, 19. It was very 



1804.] Bishop Asbiuy Illustrated. 481 

chilly. In the evening we came to John Watt's. 
Thirty miles to-day, without fire or food, from seven 
to five o'clock in the evening. On Tuesday, being 
unwell, Brother M'Caine officiated forme. " I groan, 
being burdened" — seven conferences to appoint the 
stations in ; to officiate in the General Conference of 
this year ; seventeen States to visit, requiring a ride 
of five thousand miles, at the rate of twenty, thirty, 
and forty miles a day. O Lord, give me support ! 
for every day, every hour, and every moment is a time 
of need with me. We rode up to Colonel Samuel 
Williams's, twenty miles. At Williams's chapel, Tay- 
lor's ferry, truly the great ones were present to hear, 
and I preached to them upon the great salvation; to 
little purpose I fear. We have small fruit of twenty- 
five years of faithful labors upon the rich lands of 
Roanoke. 
Va,] Lot in Sodom. 

Friday, March 16. At the court-house in Elizabeth 
City, Pasquotank county, I preached upon Matt, 
vii, 7-1 1. Many heard, but few felt. I dined with 
Mr. Mitchell, a lone Methodist from Cornwall, Great 
Britain : Lot in Sodom. The site of this place is 
beautiful for its land and water prospects, and the 
situation is good for trade. We rode on to Camden, 
and had to beg a lodging of Mr. Joseph Sandlin, who 
belongs to the Baptists. These people carry the day 
here in respectability and numbers. 

A Female Charitable Society. 

Monday, 19, I preached at James Wilson's ; Tues- 
day at Cutherell's ; Wednesday at Portsmouth ; Thurs- 
day at Norfolk ; and on Friday and Saturday I was 



31 



r 



482 Character and Career of [1804. 

housed. At a meeting of the women we laid the 
foundation of a female charitable society of Norfolk, 
similar in plan to those of New York and Baltimore, 
but more liberal. May this live, grow, and flourish 
when I am cold and forgotten ! 

A STew Chapel—" I Named it Ebenezer." 
Sabbath Day, 25. I preached at Norfolk upon Matt. 
xxviii, 19, 20; and at Portsmouth, in the afternoon, 
my subject was 1 Peter ii, 9-12. 

Monday, 26. I preached at a new meeting-house 
fourteen miles up the road toward Suffolk. Here, 
after thirty years' labor, first and last, we have a 
chapel ; I named it Ebenezer. At Suffolk, on Tues- 
day > unwell as I was, labor went hard with me. I 
had an almost total obstruction of perspiration, but a 
pulpit sweat relieved me in a good degree. My soul 
is calm. 

A Eetrospect. 

Sunday, April 8. I spoke on 2 Peter iii, 7-1 1, at 
the Olive Branch chapel. I am taking leave of the 
people every visit. I have made up one thousand 
miles, from Augusta, Georgia, to Brunswick county, 
Virginia. In old Virginia I have administered the 
word thirty years. There is a great mortality among 
the aged. Our old members drop off surprisingly ; 
but they all, by account, die in the Lord, and in gen- 
eral triumphantly. Now I have finished my tour of 
duty for the past month. To ride twenty and thirty 
miles a day ; to preach, baptize, and administer the 
Lord's Supper ; to write and answer letters, and plan 
for myself and four hundred preachers — O Lord, I 
have not desired this day, thou knowest ! I refused 



1804.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 483 

to travel as long as I could, and I lived long before I 
took upon me the superintendency of the Methodist 
Church in America, and now I bear it as a heavy 
load. I hardly bear it, and yet dare not cast it down, 
for fear God and my brethren should cast me down . 
for such an abandonment of duty. True it is, my 
wages are great — precious souls here, and glory here- 
after. 

Tuesday \ 10. Our Virginia Conference began in 
Mecklenburg county, Salem. We sat six hours a 
day and wrought with great application. We had an 
addition of fifteen preachers, besides two dead, seven 
located, one expelled ; so there was a gain of eight. 
I liked what was done ; only, the preachers' experi- 
ences, the state of the work, and the circuits were 
not given ; so we concluded to recommend a session 
of six days for the next yearly conference, appointed 
to be held at Edmund Taylors, North Carolina, 
March 1, 1805. What I have felt was only known to 
the Lord ; what I have done was for God and his 
Church. We have added, after a great mortality, 
one thousand members to the Virginia Conference 
bounds. 

McU General Conference in Baltimore. 

Monday, May 7. Our General Conference began. 
What was done the revised form of Discipline will 
show. There were attempts made upon the ruling 
eldership. We had a great talk. I talked little upon 
any subject, and was kept in peace. I preached but 
twice. 

Thursday, 24. I came off to Perry Hall, on my way 
to Soudersberg, to meet the Philadelphia Conference. 
The Lord did not own the ministerial labors of the 



484 Character and Career of [1804. 

General Conference. It was a doubt if any souls 
were converted. This made us mourn. I prayed 
for hundreds, but God did not answer my prayer. 

Pa.] Conference at Soudersburg. 

Friday \ 25. We came to Jarrett's and dined, and 
continued on to Benjamin Mannifold's. On the Sab- 
bath we crossed the Susquehanna at M'Call's ferry, 
and came to Martin Boehm's. I preached at Boehm's 
chapel, and then came away to Soudersburg. The 
conference opened on 

Monday morning, 28. We had great order. We 
sat five days and a half. There were one hundred 
and twenty-five preachers present, whose characters 
and experiences were brought before us. I preached 
twice. 

H". J.] Prom Philadelphia to New York. 

Tuesday, yune$. I dined at Burlington, and lodged 
at H. Hamilton's. Wednesday evening brought us 
to Joseph Hutchinson's ; at Brunswick we dined next 
day, stopping for the night with Mr. Flatt, Rahway, 
and on Friday passed through Elizabethtown and 
Newark and reached New York. 

U". T.] Thomas Lyell Proposes to Leave the Methodists. 

Saturday, 9. Busy answering letters. On the 
Sabbath I preached in our house in John-street on 
Heb. x, 23-25. It was an open season. 

Monday, 11. We spent some time in social confer- 
ence with the preachers. To-day Mr. Thomas Lyell 
spoke out in a letter to me, saying that he wished to 
be located. I thought that I had discovered his de- 



1804.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated, 485 

signs, and those of Mr. Dashiell, during the sitting 
of the General Conference in Baltimore. I am will- 
ing that he should belong to the Church people ; I 
believe they have more need of him than the Meth- 
odists have. I answered Mr. Lyell by telling him that 
I would do what I could to procure him a location at 
the conference held in Boston. 

It may suffice to say that our present conference 
was a happy one, and a conference of great business. 
We had sermons every day at noon. Fourteen dea- 
cons and eight elders were ordained, the last at the 
Bowery church, where I preached upon 2 Tim. 
iv, 1-4. 
Conn,] A Pake Friend. 

Saturday, 23. We rode to Brother Wheelers, 
dined, and rode on to New Haven. We have a good 
turnpike to travel on, and a good bridge to cross the 
Housatonic. 

Sabbath Day, 24. I preached to a few souls in our 
small house on Heb. iii, 12-14. I have little leisure 
to journalize. My soul has constant peace and joy 
notwithstanding my labors, and trials, and reproach, 
which- 1 heed not, though it come, as it sometimes 
does, from the good, when they are not gratified in 
all their wishes. People unacquainted with the causes 
and motives of my conduct will always, more or less, 
judge of me improperly. Six months ago a man 
could write to me in the most adulatory terms, to tell 
me of the unshaken confidence reposed in me by 
preachers and people : behold, his station is changed, 
and certain measures are pursued which do not com- 
port with his views and feelings : O, then I am men- 
aced with the downfall of Methodism, and my influ- 



486 Character and Career of [1804. 

ence, character, and reputation are all to find a grave 
in the ruins ! 

Asbury Watchful of the Preachers. 

Friday, 29. We came through Plainfield, Stirling, 
Scituate, and Coventry to Cranston, and stopped at 
General Lippet's. 

Sabbath, July I. I preached to a few people at 
Lippet's chapel ; my subject was 1 John i, 3-7. It 
was a gracious season to the speaker and the hearers. 
Sylvester Hutchinson, my traveling companion, gave 
them a sermon in the afternoon. I came this way 
only to hear how the preachers had conducted their 
work. 
E. I] Through Ehode Island. 

Monday, 2. We rode through Providence, dined 
five miles beyond Attleborough, and housed with a 
Mr. Guilds. 

Mass.] Once More in the "Pleasant Town of Lynn." 

Saturday, 7. A very sultry ride of twenty miles 
brought us to the pleasant town of Lynn. On the 
Sabbath day I preached upon 1 John hi, 1-3. The 
state of the society in this town is more pleasing than 
formerly. Peter Jayne, brought up among them, is 
an acceptable preacher. A house is begun for the 
preachers to live in. Sylvester Hutchinson preached 
in the afternoon. I spoke also, and read letters giv- 
ing an account of the work in the South. O when 
shall we see such things in New England ! 

Sweeping Through the Towns. 

Monday, 9. We rode to Salem, Beverly, Windham, 
Hamilton, Ipswich, Rowley, and Newburyport, and 



1804.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 487 

so on to Salisbury. We had flies, mosquitoes, heat, 
dust, and weariness. We lodged at the sisters 
Eaton's. 

N. H.] " Eobed in His Gown "-The Contrast. 

Passing through Saybrook on Tuesday, we saw 
one, once of our despised order, robed in his gown 
and sitting in his house like a gentleman, while we 
were beating along like Jonah. Well, the end is all. 

Conference at Buxton— Fifty Conversions. 

Friday, 13. We passed Doughty's Falls, on the way 
to Standish, and landed at Buxton. 

Saturday, 14. Opened our conference. We ad- 
mitted and elected nine deacons and two elders. We 
had preaching yesterday and to-day. 

Sabbath, 15. We opened by prayer and exhortation 
at eight o'clock. At half after ten o'clock I took my 
stand in the woods, but in about forty minutes the 
rain fell. There were powerful exercises in the 
meeting-house until near six o'clock. The Lord ap- 
peared ; several souls were brought under distress. 
I trust the fruits of this day's labor will be seen in 
eternity. 

Monday, 16. We had preaching and the ordination 
in the woods ; my subject was 2 Tim. iii, 1-7. It was 
an open time, and the work of God broke forth upon 
the right hand and upon the left. On Tuesday we 
hasted the work of the conference, and concluded 
after appointing our next session at Lynn, July 

12, 1805. 

Wednesday, 18. It is reported there were fifty 
souls converted to God. The work continued last 
night. 



488 Character and Career of [1804. 

Vt.] Asbury Passes through Towns and States Comet-like. 

Tuesday, 24. We came in haste to Westminster to 
breakfast. This is another pleasant little town ; it 
may have fifty houses. At Putney we found a stream, 
mills, a store, and a tavern. Passing over a slate 
ridge, and through Dammerston, we came to Brattle- 
borough, which we found a pleasant place, with the 
advantage of a stream, well employed as a mill-power. 
At Guilford we rested with Mr. Jacobs from three 
o'clock in the evening until Wednesday morning at 
five o'clock, when we took our departure from our 
host and from the State of Vermont. At Greenfield, 
in Massachusetts, we breakfasted, having passed 
Barnardston, the first village we entered in the State. 
We started away again to Deerfield, Conway, Ash- 
field, Plainfield, Commington, Windsor, Dalton, Pitts- 
field, and Richmond, and so on out of the State, but 
I was glad to stop fifteen miles short of Pittsfield, 
after riding over dreadful hills and rocks forty-five 
miles. We lodged at a tavern, weary, weary enough ! 
We took our breakfast with Robert Green, in Pitts- 
field. Here we crossed the head branch of the Hou- 
satonic River, that winds its way by Stratford down 
through Connecticut into the sea. 

S". T.] Suffers from Hunger— Sympathy for the Preachers, 

Thursday, 26. We lodged at Dr. Wager's, in the 
State of New York. Next day we directed our course 
through Claverack, and came in to Robert Sands's, 
Rhinebeck, about five o'clock. My mind hath been 
cheerfully happy and mostly in prayer. I was some- 
times ready to wish I had no company, and no ob- 
servations to make, to hinder my constant communion 



1804.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 489 

with God. Since I left New York I have spent 
fifteen dollars feeding man and beast by the way, and 
my companions were also obliged to do so. I have 
seen the sufferings of our preachers and they have 
awakened all my sympathies. Seventeen times we 
dined, fed, or supped at taverns ; and well it was we 
had these to go to, else we had been starved. We 
have crossed the east and west ends of Massachu- 
setts and New Hampshire, and have ridden about 
three hundred miles in the State of New York. 

One Thousand and Fifty Miles. 
Wednesday , August 1. We rose at five o'clock, 
and rode, fasting, over the rugged hills of Peekskill 
and Fishkill ; but we were willing to walk at times. 
We breakfasted with William Likley, from Aberdeen, 
Scotland ; he has been about forty years in the New 
World.- We came on to Esquire Kirby's, and, hav- 
ing dined in haste, pushed on, and came, an hour in 
the night, to my home at the Widow Sherwood's. We 
have ridden fifty miles to-day, over a path so rough 
and uneven we could not get along fast. This hasty 
work interrupts that close communion with God my 
soul longeth after. I have made, I judge, one thou- 
sand and fifty miles since I left Baltimore, and there 
still remain one thousand miles between me and 
Mount Gerizim, the seat of our conference for the 
1st of October next. Thursday and Friday I devoted 
to rest, reading, writing, meditation, and prayer. On 
Saturday I came alone to New York. 

N. J.] "Farewell to Tommy Lyell." 

Monday, 6. We crossed the river in a calm, but we 
were dripping by the time we came to Newark. Here 



490 Character and Career of [1804. 

we rested two hours, then hastened on to Elizabeth- 
town, dined, and kept on to Rahway. The night 
brought us up at Amboy, with Benjamin Drake. 

Tuesday, 7. We had a rainy morning. We have 
our ancient seasons — plentiful rains and cold wea- 
ther. This will prevent the fevers. Mr. Lyell has 
engaged with Mr. Pilmoor's old congregation at 
^"450 a year: so farewell to Tommy Lyell! I hope 
it may end well. We got as far as Joseph Hutch- 
inson's. 

Pa.] • Elder M'Clasky. 

Wednesday, 8. I had a sweet, solitary ride to H. 
Hancock's. The next day found me breakfasting at 
Burlington, and by two o'clock I had reached Henry 
Manly's retreat. My mind is devoted to God. I had 
a pensive letter from Elder M'Clasky lamenting the 
death of his son — but one, but only one, alas ! I 
wrote to Smith, Chandler, and Colbert, presiding 
elders. I preached once at St. George's upon Luke 
xvii, 5, and at the Academy, in the afternoon, on 
1 Cor. xv, 58. , 

Del.] "Forty-five Miles To-day." 

Monday, 13. I came away from the city to break- 
fast with Sister Withy. I dined with Allen M'Lane 
and lodged with J. Hersey. Forty-five miles to- 
day. 

Tuesday, 14. I took breakfast at North East, or- 
dained James Cook a deacon, and came on to Perry 
Hall. Forty-five miles to-day. I found the family 
of P. H. absent ; they are gone to Bath. 

Wednesday, 15. I rested, being stiff and sore. My 
poor beast should have had three days to perform 



1804.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated, 491 

that which she has done in two ; she shall rest three 
days in Baltimore. Thence to Mount Gerizim she 
will have only twenty miles a day, or less, to travel. 
Next day I came alone to Baltimore, where I re- 
mained. 

Md.] Street Preaching and Female Prayer-Meetings. 

Sabbath, 19. I preached in Light-street church ; 
my subject was Luke xiv, 25-27. At three o'clock I 
preached at Mr. Otterbein's on 1 Tim. vi, 6-10. 
This has been an open day with me. I am inclined 
to think preaching must be in the lanes and streets 
of the cities. I advised the preachers to go out to 
the church-yards ; to the sisters I recommended 
more frequent prayer-meetings. I revised the Re- 
vised Form of the spiritual part of our Discipline. I 
had long wished to separate the most excellent from 
the excellent. 

Va.] Melancholy End of Joseph Cromwell. 

Saturday, 25. Starting at six o'clock I made four- 
teen miles to Clarke's tavern, to breakfast, through 
mountain rain and over mountain roads. After a 
long absence I came once more to John Jacobs's. 
From himT had the account of the awful end of 
Joseph Cromwell. He had walked backward, accord- 
ing to his own account : three days he lost in drunk- 
enness ; three days he lay sick in darkness — no man- 
ifestations of God to his soul ; and thus he died ! 
We can only hope that God had mercy on him. 
Compare this with what I have recorded of his labors 
and his faithfulness in another part of my journal. 
O, my soul, be warned ! Brother Jacobs preached 
his funeral sermon, and gave a brief sketch of his 



49 2 Character and Career of [1804. 

life, his fall, and his death. His text was " Tell it 
not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Aske- 
lon." How appropriate the choice ! I have traveled 
through great heat ; the people are generally sickly ; 
but I have got along one hundred and sixty miles 
since I left Baltimore : thank the Lord and kind 
friends ! 

A High Compliment to the Local Preachers, 

Monday y 27. After the rain J. Jacobs rode with me 
to Joseph Cresap's, upon the north "branch of the 
Potomac. We crossed this water three times, and 
climbed over the mountain, but not without rain. 
Now I have left the traveling preachers to mind 
their own work, and I only make my appointments 
when I come to the places. The local preachers are 
my guides, and good guides and good aids and good 
companions they are. 

Pa.] Thirty-four Days' Illness. 

Tuesday, October 9. After thirty- four days ot af- 
flictive illness I recommence my journal. I have 
been during my sickness at Harry Stevens's. Kinder 
souls than this family I could not wish, but there 
were many of them and others continually coming 
and going. I had two doctors, but at last was hap- 
pily left to myself and Charles Conway. The fever 
subsided and left a cough. 

Asbnry More Tender of Others than of Himsel£ 

Sabbath, 14. I preached. Riding brought on a 
daily fever and an inveterate cough. Brother What- 
coat being unable to ride at a greater speed than a 



1804.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 493 

walk, I exchanged my mare for his horse. We made 
more speed by this arrangement, but his great beast 
iolted me in such a manner as I could not have borne 
in health. We have lost the Kentucky Conference, 
and have about eleven weeks for our trip of fifteen 
hundred miles to Charleston. We were compelled 
to spend a week at John Beck's. 

Death of Wilson Lee. 

Monday, 29. A summer's day. We rode twelve 
miles, near to Washington. On Tuesday we gained 
Joseph Taylor's, near the Old Fort. Wednesday we 
came to Union Town, seventeen miles. Thursday to 
the Crossings, twenty-four miles. Friday to Mussel- 
man's, thirty miles, and on Saturday to Joseph 
Cresap's to breakfast, making one hundred and 
twenty-five miles this week. Here we rested for 
the Sabbath. It is wonderful to see how Braddock's 
road is crowded with wagons and pack-horses carry- 
ing families and their house stuff westward — to the 
new State of Ohio, no doubt. Here is a State with- 
out slaves, and the better calculated for poor, indus- 
trious families. O highly-favored land ! I saw the 
death of Wilson Lee confirmed in the Frederick 
Gazette. He died at Walter Worthington's, in Ann 
Arundel county, Maryland. Wilson Lee was born 
near Lewistown, State of Delaware. He was of a 
slender habit of body, but active, diligent, and upright 
in his walk, a pattern of neatness in his habits and 
attire, and full of gentleness, meekness, and love. 
His presence commanded respect ; his zeal for God 
was great,- and his labors successful and continually 
so. Few excelled him in the duties of a presiding 



494 Character and Career of [1804. 

elder — it is not impossible that the toils of this im- 
portant office have been too great for his feeble frame. 
He had been twenty years' and ten months in the 
Methodist connection. 

Va.] An Empty Purse. 

Tuesday, November 6. We breakfasted at Quaker 
Brown's, and then came on to Winchester. In the 
evening I preached in George Reed's house, and next 
day in the house of Elijah Phelps. On Thursday I 
rested and refitted. My body is in health, my soul 
established in grace. 

Saturday \ 10. The weather has been unpleasant, 
and our clothing needed improvement and increase; 
above all, I wished to see Daniel Hitt. My friends 
were solicitous for my presence at the quarterly meet- 
ing at Newtown. On the Sabbath day I preached 
feebly upon John i, 50. The Superintendent Bishop 
of the Methodist Church in America being reduced 
to two dollars, he was obliged to make his wants 
known. 

"Wandering Without friends or Food." 

Tuesday, 20. We came to Robert Smith's — a very 
damp day. My mind was greatly engaged with God. 
On Wednesday, through deep damps, we came to 
David Thompson's, at the upper or west end of Pow- 
hatan county. On Thursday we crossed Appomattox 
at Clement's bridge, near a mill and small town of 
the same name. Our route led through Amelia — soli- 
tary Amelia, with its worn-out fields of hundreds of 
acres, and old houses falling into ruins. We lost our 
way, wandering without friends or food, from seven in 



1804.] Bishop As bury Illustrated. 495 

the morning until seven at night. We made about 
forty miles, and came, fatigued and hungry, to John 
Ryall's. Here we had entertainment good enough 
for a president. 

N. 0.] Friend Tomkiiis Expelled for Selling a Slave. 

Monday, December 3. I baptized three children of 
Squire Hinton's. I breakfasted with them. We rode 
on to the Redfield ferry, upon Haw River. On Tues- 
day morning we breakfasted fourteen miles ahead 
with Brother Reeves at the Hickory Mountain. I 
ordained William Masters a deacon. I dined and 
lodged with him. God has blessed him ; his twin sons, 
converted at the same time, are both called to preach 
the Gospel. On Wednesday we came away twenty 
miles to Bell's house and mills to see Alexander 
M'Caine. We had a night meeting, at which I saw 
extravagances frequently seen among our people. I 
believe, nevertheless, that the young people were sin- 
cere. On our way to Wiley Harris's we stopped at 
Mr. Fuller's to dine. On Friday I rode eight miles 
to breakfast with Ethelred Harris, and came on 
eighteen miles to John Randel's. On Saturday I 
thought it well to rest. I have ridden since leaving 
Baltimore nine hundred and eighty-eight miles. At 
Randel's I preached upon Gal. v, 9. In the evening 
I visited our former brother, my friend Tomkins. He 
was expelled for selling a slave. The Lord is among 
the colored people in this family. 

S. 0,] Four Hundred Conversions in Pour Days. 

Friday,. 2%. We came thirteen miles to Monk's 
Corner to breakfast ; thence to the Ten-Mile House, 
fed our horses, and put off again and reached the 



40 • Character and Career of [1804. 

city. I think it may go for one hundred and twenty 
miles from Rembert's to Charleston. 

Saturday, 29. I had to rest indeed. I was sadly 
sore. Many letters came from various parts which I 
answered. Daniel Hall made me glad by his account 
of the Suffolk camp-meeting. In four days they cal- 
culate there having been as many hundreds converted 
to God. On the Sabbath day I preached at Cumber- 
land-street on John i, 50. I feel comforted in spirit. 
The sitting of this conference will not be in vain in 
Charleston. Two letters from Philadelphia announce 
to me that nearly one hundred souls have been con- 
verted in the different congregations since October. 
O, fire of the Lord, come down and consume the fire 
of contention in that unhappy place ! I have a pleas- 
ing account also of the success of a camp-meeting in 
the State of New York. 

Asbury Happy in the Solitary Woods. 
Monday, January 14, 1805. We came to Mr. Lee's, 
dined, and came on, lodging at Lumberton, a town 
of about twenty families. On Tuesday we had 
another cold ride to Fayetteville. At the African 
meeting-house I preached upon Heb. x, 38, 39. It 
was a time of feeling, but eleven o'clock was no 
hour for some folks. I was invited to preach in the 
State House, but it did not suit my mind at all. The 
object of our visit was a Methodist congregation and 
society. Home is home. Ours is plain, to be sure, 
but it is our duty to condescend to men of low estate, 
and therefore I felt justified in declining the polite 
invitation of the Rev. Mr. Finn to officiate in his 
meeting-house. 



1805.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 497 

H", 0.] Nearly Three Thousand Miles since the General 
Conference. 

Friday, 25. We reached Newbern, twenty-six miles. 

On Saturday it rained. We have happily escaped 

it. We have made two thousand nine hundred and 

eighty miles since General Conference. We lodged 

at the Widow Jones's. Her dear James is gone. He 

appeared to be as healthy as any man in Newbern, 

but went off, after a few days' illness, of a pleurisy 

in the breast. Lord, and am I yet alive ! 

Crossing Tar Eiver. 
Monday », 28. We came away through a cold wind to 
Neuse Ferry. Swift Creek swam us, and the waters 
of the greater stream floated us across in a tottering 
canoe, the horses alongside swimming. A twenty- 
eight miles' ride brought us to the Widow Richard's 
to lodge. Arrived at the Tar River, we found it was 
blowing a storm. I was unwilling to cross. The 
flat was nearly filled with water shortly after we put 
off. A boat came out to take us up. Brother What- 
coat stood midleg in water. I had gained a plank 
and kept my feet dry, and it was well, as I had a touch 
of pleurisy, and had discharged blood yesterday even- 
ing. We came safe, and praised that God who in 
deaths oft hath delivered us. Brother Whatcoat 
preached at Washington in the evening. 

Va.] O'Kelly on Government, Monarchy, and Episcopacy. 

Wednesday, February 13. This day Brother What- 
coat preached at Joseph Moody's. God has wrought 
powerfully at Blunt's and Benn's. They are prepar- 
ing a large house for public worship at the former 
place. General Wells and family have returned to 

32 



498 Character and Career of [ 1 805 . 

us. Willis Wells is coming back from following 
O'Kelly, besides twenty other members who had 
been drawn away. They profess to have had enough 
of him. Mr. O'Kelly has come down with great 
zeal, and preaches three hours at a time upon govern- 
ment, monarchy, and episcopacy, occasionally varying 
the subject by abuse of the Methodists, calling them 
aristocrats and Tories — a people who, if they had the 
power, would force the government at the sword's 
point. Poor man ! The Methodists have but two of 
their very numerous society members of Congress, 
and until these democratic times we never had one. 
I question if, in all the public legislative bodies in 
the seventeen United States, there are more than 
twenty members Methodists. No ; our people are a 
very independent people, who think for themselves, 
and are as apt to differ in politics, (so do the preach- 
ers,) and divide at the hustings, as those of any other 
denomination ; and surely they are not seekers of 
the offices of this world's profit or honor. If they 
were, what might they not gain in many parts of the 
United States ? While one rails at us, others, who 
are always fond of fishing in troubled waters, take 
those who are already in our net, or, hunting on for- 
bidden ground, pick up our crippled game. See what 
believers their Church is composed of! 

N. 0.] Conference Statistics, 

Friday, March 1. We opened our yearly conference 
for Virginia at Edmund Taylor's, Granville county, 
North Carolina. We closed our sitting on Friday 
evening following. I have so frequently noticed the 
affairs of conferences, and they are so common, that 
I will only observe of this that we added fourteen 



1805.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 499 

preachers, and located four. Our business was con- 
ducted in great peace, and we had preaching as usual. 
Our increase is one thousand nine hundred members. 

VaJ "I Hear, I See, I FeeL" 

Wednesday, 20. We came to Tandy Kee's. Here 
we found more children coming to Christ. I was 
pleased and cheered to hear from the local preachers 
the great things God hath done in this circuit. 
Brother Mead is coming to preside, and I hope he 
will have a glorious camp-meeting in every circuit in 
the district. Amherst should, by all means, have 
another preacher. I hear, I see, I feel. 

McL] City Congregations "Preached to Death." 

Wednesday, April 10. Came to Baltimore. I have 
been greatly supported, but afflicted in my breast 
and heart ; it will not last long. I have made, I cal- 
culate, three thousand eight hundred and fifty miles 
from the \st of June, 1804, to the 10 ^ 1 of April, 1805. 
Thursday was occupied in writing letters, etc. On 
Friday I preached at Old Town. 

Sabbath Day, I preached in Light-street ; I had a 
very heavy congregation. I fear the people are 
preached to death. In the afternoon I visited the 
Africans ; my subject was Eph. iv, 1-6. Lord, look 
upon our city congregations, for they are a valley of 
dry bones ! 

Tuesday, 16. I preached at Fell"s Point; it was a 
time to be remembered. I made my escape from 
Baltimore ; low in religion. At Perry Hall I spent a 
night. The house, spacious and splendid, was newly 
painted, and the little grandchildren were gay and 



500 Character and Career of [1805. 

playful ; but I and the elders of the house felt that it 
was evening with us. 

Del.] Bishops Preaching before Judges and Counselors, 

Monday y 22. I rode to Milford ; on Tuesday to Z. 
Hazzard's ; rested, and came to Lewistown, where we 
called a meeting, and preached upon Rom. xiii, 1 1-14. 
I was assisted greatly, and the people were engaged. 
We lodged at Caleb Rodney's: There may be in 
Lewistown one hundred and twenty houses and about 
eight hundred souls. We came thence to George- 
town, the seat of the courts of justice for Sussex 
county, containing about forty houses. As the court 
was in session we were offered the house and desired 
to hold our meeting there ; the judges and counselors 
attended ; Brother Whatcoat spoke, and I followed 
upon Psalm xli, 10 ; we had a moving season. 

Pa.] Difficult to Walk Officially Straight. 

Friday, May 10. We reached Philadelphia. Eighty 
miles in two days. Sarah Williams has left ^200 to 
the disposal of Bishop Whatcoat and myself. We 
ordered its application to the Chartered Fund. Thank 
the Lord ! I am happy in the midst of the murmurs 
of many who are disappointed because I do not meet 
their strange expectations. O ! what a wonder if I 
walk officially straight when so many would wish me 
to incline a little to the right or left, as their whims 
and fancies would lead ! 

N. J.] Mr. Leecraft Entertains Asbury. 

Thursday y 16. The roads heavy and damp. We 
came on to*Brunswick, dined, and reached Drake's 



1805.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 501 

for the night. Next day we dined with Thomas 
Morrell, at Elizabethtown, and lodged with Mr. Lee- 
craft at Newark. 

N • T.] Mr. Wesley's JonmaL 

Friday, 31. I read the latter part of Wesley's 
Journal. How great and unceasing were his labors ; 
how various, comprehensive, and just are his observa- 
tions on men, women, modes, manners, doctrines, 
opinions, authors, and things ! I have felt myself 
strongly urged to pray after every meal, where the 
families are in the habit of prayer ; but I believe 
there are Methodist households that sometimes fall 
in my way who never pray in this way ; and is this 
our poor success, after eighteen years of faithful 
labor ? God be gracious to us, and to such families 
and unfaithful souls ! 

Conference at Ashgrove. 

Tuesday, June II. We came twenty-five miles to 
Ashgrove, and next day opened conference. On 
Tuesday, the i8t/i, the conference rose at noon. We 
had blessed harmony and order, and I never heard 
less murmuring about the stations, of which there 
were sixty-two upon the list, and two having no ap- 
pointments because of debility. The committee of 
business and the committee of addresses were very 
attentive to the affairs brought before them, and their 
labors were highly approved. By allowing the usual 
provision for the married preachers and their wives, 
(no supplies given for the children,) the conference 
was insolvent seventeen hundred dollars. There were 
about eight hundred dollars in money, and other 



502 Character and Career of [1805. 

things, given to, and given away by, the confer- 
ence. We had a sacrament and a love-feast on the 
Sabbath, and I preached ; the duty was performed 
by others at other times as usual ; but there were 
no special marks of good done. 

VtJ A Eide in Vermont, 

Thursday, 20. We came through Pownal, in Ver- 
mont, to Williamstown, the seat of the college — con- 
taining two houses, one probably sixty by forty feet, 
the other one hundred by fifty feet, four stories, of 
brick. We dined at Brother Kinney's, near New 
Ashford. Thence we came away to Lanesborough 
and on to Pittsfield.. We have passed through a well- 
cultivated land of wavy, well-watered surface, rough- 
ened with rocks, and broken often enough by hills. 
We have had two days and nights of heat equal to that 
of Georgia. Some thunder-showers cooled the air, and 
our ride yesterday was pleasant, though laborious, 
through Washington, Becket, and Chester, and along 
upon the head-springs of Agawam River, whose 
meanders we followed upon a turnpike road winding 
among the hills of the Green Mountain, equal to any 
in the West. Forty miles brought us to Westfield, 
and we rested at Joel Farnam's. Mr. Knapp invited 
me to preach in the Congregational temple ; but I 
refused, for sundry reasons valid to myself. 

Mass.] A Sad Disproportion. 

Sabbath, 23. I attended at a Baptist church. My 
first subject was Isa. lv, 6, 7. My second, Acts xxiv, 
18, 19. It was hard labor indeed. I rode home with 
Nathaniel Phelps, in Tatnam. I asked an aged man 



1805.] Bishop As bury Illustrated. 503 

at the meeting how many souls were computed to be 
in the town. Four thousand, was the reply. Not 
one fourth of these were at meeting. Here is room ! 
It is a day of feeble things ; and I am afraid that 
some of our friends instead of boldly facing them 
turn their backs upon their enemies, while others join 
them. Here Ralph Willston was well-known — once 
so full of fire, and what is he now ? 

Oonn.] Some of the First Fruits, 

Saturday, 29. At Tolland quarterly meeting my 
subject was Jude 20, 21. It was a gracious time. On 
the Sabbath we had love-feast and sacrament. I 
ordained Nathan Fox, John Norris, and James Hyde, 
deacons. These are some of the first fruits. Tolland 
revives. We had some living testimonies, and several 
souls are brought into the Church. At ten o'clock 
we went into an orchard adjoining the chapel. I spoke 
on Heb. viii, 10, II. Brother Washburn's text was: 
" Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and 
keep it." Many exhortations followed, and prayers, 
with power. There was a great cry, and the meeting 
held without intermission until night. 

Mass.] The Times Changed in Boston. 

Thursday, July 4. I preached at N. Bogle's meet- 
ing-house on John viii, 30, 31. We stopped Friday 
night at Waltham. On Saturday we reached Bos- 
ton. O heat and dust ! I felt like Jonah without 
his gourd. 

Sabbath, 7. I preached in our complete little meet- 
ing-house, well-filled with hearers, from 1 Cor. v, 7, 8. 
It was an open time and gracious season. In the 



504 Character and Career of [1805. 

afternoon Joseph Crawford spoke upon 1 Tim i, 15. 
The word of the Lord appeared to strike like sharp 
arrows. I feel as if Epaphras Kibby had been faith- 
ful in Boston. 

Dr. Coke's Marriage. 

Tuesday, 9. I received a letter from Doctor Coke 
announcing to me his marriage, and advising me 
that he did not intend to visit America again 
as a visitor, but rather as a sojourner (if at all) 
could work be appointed him to do. Marriage is 
honorable in all, but to me it is a ceremony awful 
as death. Well may it be so, when I calculate we 
have lost the traveling labors of two hundred of the 
best men in America, or the world, by marriage and 
consequent location. 

Conn.] On the Wing Through Connecticut. 

Monday, 22. We came in heat to. East Hartford, 
and lodged with Squire Pitkins. Tuesday, to New 
'Haven; Wednesday, to Stamford; Friday -, to Peter 
Bonnett's, New Rochelle. 

S. Y.] Asbury "Bent on Great Designs for (jod,." 

We have ridden two hundred and thirty miles in 
six days, some of them awfully warm. The earlier 
fruits and productions of the year have been very 
abundant ; but without a rain, the latter fruits and 
grain must fail. I took a day to refit clothes and to 
write letters. At four o'clock I preached at Rochelle 
meeting-house ; the subject suited the state of the 
town ; the men were few, the women were many. The 
Lord was present with us. I lodged under the hos- 



1805.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 505 

pitable roof of the Widow Sherwood. On my road 
hither I thought I saw what would make a good 
camp-ground ; I wrote to the presiding elder advising 
him of this circumstance. I am still bent on great 
designs for God, for Christ, for souls. Saturday 
brought us through excessive heat and dust to New 
York, I would say ; but we were barred its entrance 
by proclamation, having passed through New Haven, 
afflicted with the yellow fever. I stopped at George 
Suckley's. Being a little unwell, I made the best 
use of the day I could by writing letters. 

If. J.] Through New Jersey. 

Monday, 29. I preached in our very neat chapel at 
Second River. We came to Elizabethtown, and on 
Tuesday to Joseph Hutchinson's ; and Wednesday 
brought us up to Burlington. 

Pa.] "Then Away to the West." 

Thursday, August 1. We found ourselves pro- 
claimed at Philadelphia as at New York. We di- 
rected our course to Mr. Manly's seat, in the neigh- 
borhood of the city. I received several letters, from 
which I learn that there was great order preserved 
at Duck Creek Camp-meeting ; and that great good 
was done — three hundred souls were blessed ! On 
Saturday I wrote letters. I redeem a day by hard 
riding for this service. I have bought, for one hun- 
dred dollars, a neat little Jersey wagon. On the 
Sabbath day I preached at Germantown on Isaiah 
xlix, 1,2. I returned to Mr. Manly's, and preached at 
five o'clock, at Mr. Manly's ; this day appears to have 
been poorly spent. I am waiting for the minutes of 



506 Character and Career of [1805. 

conference and my little wagon — then away to the 
West. 

A Cordial Eeception and Christian Parting, 

Monday, 12. We came off with courage, passing 
through Lancaster, still unpropitious to Methodism. 
Seven miles beyond Father Musselman received us 
with a smiling countenance, a willing hand, and ready 
mind. We fed, and talked, and sang, and prayed, 
and parted in the Lord. We crossed Anderson's 
ferry, the best I know on the river, and came into 
Little York. I stopped a day. O how kind our 
friends are at their beautiful retreat ! may Friend 
Pentz, and wife, and mother, be blessed of the Lord ! 

Pive Thousand at Camp-Meeting. 

Monday, 19. The camp-meeting begins to-morrow 
at Short Creek, near the Great River. On Friday 
and Saturday we labored onward to Short Creek. I 
foundered my mare, and had many trials. 

Sunday, 25. I preached at the camp-ground ; it 
was a moving time. On Monday I preached again. 
It was judged there were five thousand souls present 
to hear, and that one hundred souls were converted 
to God. 

I purchased a horse, and bent my course through 
Wheeling, on the banks of the Ohio ; we crossed, 
and in the evening came to Morristown. Friday 
brought us to Muskingum ; Saturday, we reached 
John Murphy's, and on the Sabbath I rested with 
Edward Teel. Joseph Crawford is sick. I have had 
little rest for six nights past. I have ridden, by com- 
putation, sixteen hundred and eighty miles since I 
left Baltimore. 



1805.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 507 

Ohio.] "0 Thou Pattern of Celibacy, Art Thou Caught!" 

Monday, September 2. I preached at Richland chapel 
on 1 Peter v, 10. The subject was gracious, and so 
was the season. I find here the children of Meth- 
odists, according to the flesh, known elsewhere and 
long ago. Jonathan Jackson is married. O thou 
pattern of celibacy, art thou caught ! Who can re- 
sist ? Our married man was forty years of age. He 
has taken to wife a Mrs. Roberts — a poor, pious 
widow. Joseph Crawford is very ill. I cannot go 
on. I have sent sixteen miles for a bottle of wine 
for him. We started away on Tuesday, and came to 
Judge Vanmeeter's, at the Muddy Prairie, and dined 
and prayed. Brother Crawford still ill of a flux and 
fever. We stopped at Crouse's Mill for the evening. 
Edward Tiffin's brought us up on Wednesday. Thurs- 
day and Friday, Brother Crawford could not move 
on. Dr. Tiffin, the present governor of the State, 
administered some relief. I was happily employed 
in reading the Portrait of St. Paul, by the divine 
Fletcher. I preached at Chillicothe. We have ex-' 
cessive heat. My mind is in great peace. 

A Four Hours' Meeting at Philip Gatch's. 

Monday, 9. We missed our path, and went out of 
our way. We intended for the Falls of Paint, and 
went to Bullskin, twenty miles. We lodged with 
Michael Hains, who rode with us eleven miles. We 
passed Franklin, on the way to the town of New- 
market, containing eight cabins. We lodged at 
Ross's, and were kindly and freely entertained. The 
roads were heavy ; but the wagon was a covering in 



508 Character and Career of [1805. 

the heavy rain. The roads were dreadful to Williams- 
burg, Clermont county. We had a beach-swamp, 
mud up to the hubs, stumps as high as the wagon- 
body, logs, trees. After all, we came safe. Wednes- 
day we lodged with Levi Rogers, once a traveling 
preacher, now a physician. We were greatly out- 
done, but we called a meeting at Williamsburg. 
Brother Whatcoat preached, and I exhorted. I saw 
several Jersey friends. On Thursday we rode on to 
Mr. Dimmitt's, on the route to Little Miami. We 
have made one hundred miles in four days. I was 
made glad to hear of the revival of the work of 
God in the new settlements. The local ministry 
have shared in this labor with the traveling preachers. 
On Friday we came down the east branch of the 
Little Miami to Judge Gatch's. On Saturday we 
rested, and I read and wrote. On the Sabbath day 
we held a meeting of four hours at Philip Gatch's. 
Brother Whatcoat's subject was, "Repent and be 
converted ;" Joseph Crawford's, "I am not ashamed 
of the Gospel of Christ ; " and F. Asbury's, " I have 
no greater joy than this, that my children walk in the 
truth." We felt quickened and comforted in God. 
Our route on Monday led through Columbia and the 
rich lands of the Miami. William Lives sent one to 
meet and invite us to his house in Cincinnati ; I gave 
them a discourse upon, " Seek ye the Lord while he 
may be found," etc. 

Zy.] Conference Sabbath— Three Thousand Hearers. 

Thursday, 26. I visited Luke Hanson. Next day 
it rained, and I rested. On Saturday I stopped at 
Madox Fisher's, in Lexington. I was of necessity 



1805.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 509 

in our old house on the Sabbath day; we could not 
preach abroad, the weather was damp. My sermon 
was the echo of my text : xi Cry aloud and spare not." 
Joseph Crawford preached twice. On Monday I was 
unwell, but I rode to Jesse Griffith's, Scott county. 
On Tuesday we rested. 

Wednesday, October 2. We opened our conference 
in great peace ; there were about twenty-five mem- 
bers present. Six hours a day were steadily occupied 
with business. The committees of claims and of ad- 
dresses did much work, and it was done well. I 
completed my plan for the coming year, and sub- 
mitted it to the presiding elders, who suggested but 
two alterations ; may they be for the best ! On the 
Sabbath day I preached to about three thousand 
souls: On Tuesday, after the rise of conference, 
I rode to Lexington ; and on Wednesday to J. S. 
Hoard's, Jessamine county. I was under affliction 
of body ; but perfect love, peace within, and harmony 
without, healed every malady. 

TennJ Crossing the Mountains. 

Sunday, 20. I felt very unwell from cold taken. We 
passed Quorton's Ferry, upon Great Nolachucky. In 
crossing the Paint Mountain, on Monday, we rode up 
and walked down, and I sprained my ankle. 

N. 0.] Asbury in Fellowship with a Presbyterian Minister. 

We came into North Carolina, and lodged with 
William Nelson, at the Hot Springs. Next day we 
stopped with Wilson, in Buncombe. On Wednesday 
I breakfasted with Mr. Newton, Presbyterian minis- 
ter, a man after my own mind. We took sweet 



510 diameter and Career of [1805. 

counsel together. We lodged, this evening, at Mr. 
Fletcher's, Mud Creek. At Colonel Thomas's, on 
Thursday, we were kindly received, and comfortably- 
entertained. 

S, 0.1 Preaches at Salem on Hosea x, 12, 

We came into South Carolina on Friday y and 
lodged with Captain Edwards ; and on Saturday ', at 
Staunton's, Staunton's Ferry, Seleuda River, Greens- 
ville district, we were at home. 

Sabbath, 27. At Salem I preached upon Hosea 
x, 12 : " Sow to yourselves in righteousness," etc. 

Ga.] A Marvelous Contrast, 

Saturday, November 9. We reached Sparta. The 
heat was great. From Kentucky to Sparta, five 
hundred and sixteen miles. 

Sunday, 10. I preached ; my subject was 1 Peter 
iv, 17. Joseph Crawford gave two sermons. 

Monday, 11. We came to Matthew Harris's, and 
next day I preached upon 1 Cor. xi, 30, 31. We 
drove back to Sparta that evening. I have ridden 
about fifty miles to preach to about twice as many 
souls. I would have gone down to the State, but 
appointments had not been made, and Brother Craw- 
ford grew very unwell. I judged it proper for him 
to go through a course of physic, and the weather 
was cold, and I wanted a coat. I only lamented 
that I could not see my poor black sheep at Buffalo 
Creek ; but was glad to hear that Ethiopia still 
stretched forth the hand of faith and prayer. I feel 
very serious about the supplies of preachers for the 
South Carolina Conference : some are sick, some are 
settling in life — men of feeble minds. But let the 



1805.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 511 

Head of the Church see to his own work — it is not 
mine. Why should I despond ? What was the work 
thirty-seven years ago, when there were but two local 
preachers — one in New York, and one in Maryland ? 
Now there are two thousand local, and four hundred 
traveling preachers. 

S. 0.] The Highest Steeple. 

Sunday, December 8. I was in great heaviness 
through manifold temptations ; yet I preached in 
Cumberland-street in the morning, and at Bethel in 
the afternoon. I was happy and had great openings. 
I fear sometimes that my commission will wear out 
among one description of people here. Religion of a 
certain kind must be very valuable, since we spend 
so much to support it. There must be a prodigious 
revival in the Independent society — a building of 
theirs will cost fifty, or, perhaps, one hundred thou- 
sand dollars. There is a holy strife between its 
members and the Episcopalians who shall have the 
highest steeple ; but I believe there is no contention 
about who shall have the most souls converted to 
God. 

Northern Letters— Dr. Chandler's Wonderful Eeport. 

Thursday, 12. We pursued a blind road to the 
ferry. We came on to Murray's, and continued 
along to Mr. Coleman's, a German. Next day we 
reached Rembert Hall. We had hot weather — man 
and beast felt the burden. 

Some of my northern letters have come in. They 
bring good news : camp-meetings at Albany, New 
York ; at Lebanon, Vermont ; in the New Hamp- 
shire districts ; all successful. But O, the wonders 



512 Character and Career of [1805. 

of Doctor Chandler's report ! He says his authority 
bids him say that at Duck Creek camp-meeting 
five hundred souls ; at Accomac camp-meeting four 
hundred ; at Annamessex chapel, in the woods, two 
hundred ; at Somerset, Line chapel, one hundred 
and twenty ; at Todd's chapel, Dorset, two hundred ; 
at Caroline quarterly meeting, seventy-five ; all, all 
these profess to have received converting grace ! 

Asbury's Observations on Haweis's Church History, 
Monday \ 16. I wrote to Elders Broadhead and 
Chandler. This week writing letters and reading 
Haweis's Church History. By this work I learn it 
is the authors opinion that the evangelists were 
chief, superintending, episcopal men ; aye, so say I, 
and that they prescribed forms of discipline, and 
systematized codes of doctrine. After the death of 
the apostles it would appear that the elders elected 
the most excellent men to superintend. This course 
was doubtless the most expedient and excellent. 
Every candid inquirer after truth will acknowledge, 
upon reading Church history, that it was a great and 
serious evil introduced when philosophy and human 
learning were taught as a preparation for a Gospel 
ministry. " Hitherto," says our author, in his obser- 
vations on the close of the second century, "not a 
man of eminence for science or letters had appeared 
in the Church. All of this time, whose works have 
come down to us, give thereby no evidence of human 
attainments — they bear the stamp of simplicity." 
Yet by these the Gospel had been supported in its 
purity, spreading it by their labors to the ends of the 
earth ; and these were they who helped to fill the 
bloody ranks of the noble army of martyrs. 



1805.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 513 

Asbury in the Fortieth Tear of his Ministry. 

On the Sabbath Day I preached a funeral sermon 
for Abijah Rembert. There is a revival in the 
society here ; so much for camp-meetings. I am now 
in the fortieth year of my labors in the ministry. 
Thirty-four years of this time have been spent in 
America, counting from October 28, 1 771, to October 
28, 1805. 

Twenty-six Sermons during Conference. 

Thursday, 26. I rested and read, and on Friday 
rode into Camden. I was favored with a number of 
letters giving accounts of revivals of religion. Satur- 
day employed my pen. Sabbath day I preached. 

Monday, 30. We opened our conference. 

January 4, 1806. We closed our conference in 
great peace and order. No murmurs about the 
stations from preachers or people. Since we came 
here we have had twenty-six sermons, one of which 
I preached upon 1 Tim. iv, 12 : " Let no man despise 
thy youth." Brother Whatcoat ordained the deacons. 
We see no immediate fruit of our labors, but doubt- 
less we shall hear of it following our many prayers 
night and day. 

N. 0.] A Somber View of Matrimony. 

Wednesday, 8. We crossed Well's ferry after wait- 
ing an hour. A snow-storm kept with us from Pe- 
dee to Rockingham. Here the people would have 
assembled, but there was a wedding afoot. This is a 
matter of moment, as some men have but one during 
life, and some find that one to have been one too 
many. 

33 



514 Character and Career of [1806. 

Eapid Traveling. 

Sabbath Day, 12. Unwell. Nevertheless, I took 
the pulpit. 

Monday morning we made a start for Wilmington, 
and came to the Widow Anderson's, forty-six miles. 
Next day we took the round-about way by the 
bridges, and made forty-five miles. To ride ninety- 
one miles within day-light, in two days, kept us busy, 
but we are safe in Wilmington. My affliction upon 
my breast was great. 

Frightened Horses— God Preserves. 
Thursday, 23. We came into Newbern, twenty- 
three miles. The prospects here are good. The 
providence of God was manifested in our preserva- 
tion to-day. Our horses took fright while in the 
wagon, and were off like fire. They happily struck, 
and locked a wheel on a poplar. The swingle-tree 
snapped. No more. Less damage, if any, could 
scarcely have been done. 

Va,] A Healthful Increase in Virginia Conference. 

Friday, February 14. Virginia Conference began 
in Norfolk, progressed peaceably, and ended on 
Thursday, 

We had preaching morn, noon, and night. Large 
congregations and many souls engaged. We have 
reason to hope that nearly one hundred souls were 
under the operations of grace. I ordained two elders 
and Brother Whatcoat twelve deacons. We have a 
rich supply of preachers for every circuit, and an 
addition of two thousand three hundred and ninety- 
eight in numbers, exclusive of the dead, expelled, 
withdrawn, and removed. 



1806.] Bishop As bury Illustrated. 515 

Md.] , Preliminary Measures for a Delegated General 
Conference. 

March, 14. Our conference began in great peace. 

Friday, 21. The stations were read off, and all con- 
cluded in great peace. Never had we a better con- 
ference in Baltimore. An answer was given to Dr. 
Coke's letter, I fear in a manner that will not please 
him. An order was passed that the answer should 
be presented to all the annual conferences. It was 
also recommended to the annual conferences to con- 
sider on the propriety of having a select delegated 
Conference. The Eastern, Western, and Southern 
conferences were counseled to take such measures as 
they, in their wisdom, might see best to produce a 
more equal representation from their several bodies 
to the General Conference. 
Va.] Asbnry at Accomac. 

Friday, April 4. We came to William Downing's, 
Virginia. At Downing's chapel I spoke on Rev. 
ii, 10. After sermon we rode to Accomac, and 
lodged at Mr. Seymour's. Here Joseph Crawford 
preached in the evening. 

Sunday, 6. That no time might be lost we started 
away at eight o'clock in the morning to Brother 
Watt's, twenty-seven miles. My subject was Isaiah 
xxxiii, 14-16: "The sinners in Zion are afraid," etc. 
I preached in the court-house, Accomac. It was 
an alarming season. The cold was great, and the 
winds are high. No rain — it is judgment- weather — O 
Lord, arise ! 
Del.] From Milford to Wilmington. 

Wednesday, 9. I preached at Milford, and then rode 
on to Dover and took up Father Whatcoat. On the 



5 16 Character and Career of [1806, 

way he was taken with a fit of the gravel, and I was 
afraid would die. I preached in Dover next day. 
We afterward rode to Duck Creek Cross Roads in a 
snow-storm. Here the people are all very fervent, 
and the children praise the Lord. Joseph Crawford 
preached. 

Friday, n. We came in, on as cold a day as one 
would wish who was fond of extremes, to Wilmington, 
forty miles. Ah, but I must preach ! Well, I gave 
them a sermon at seven o'clock. The Africans here 
have a house to themselves, of stone, and equal in 
size to that of the whites. 

Pa.] From Baltimore to Philadelphia— Conference. 

Saturday \ 12, brought us to Philadelphia. From 
Baltimore, round by the Eastern Shore, hither, has 
cost us, by computation, five hundred and fifty miles. 
I have been greatly supported in body and mind ; 
glory be to God ! 

Sabbath, 13. I preached at St. George's upon 2 Pet. 
i, 12-14. At the Academy I spoke on James v, 7, 8. 
Many of the preachers were already in the city for 
conference. In the sitting of conference we had so 
much irregular, desultory work that we went on 
slowly. We had sixty-three members present for 
traveling, besides those to be received in locations, 
and as supernumerary and worn out. Dr. Coke's 
letter was answered by a committee of ten preachers. 

Monday, 21. Conference rose. Of seventy-six 
preachers stationed, all appeared to be pleased but 
two or three ; but neither they nor any one else can 
know the difficulties I had to encounter in the ar- 
rangement of the stations. Brother Whatcoat was 



i8o6.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 517 

left very ill at Dover ; perhaps he is dead. Eight 
deacons and six elders were ordained. I preached 
three times. I hope many souls will be converted in 
consequence of the coming together of this confer- 
ence — having had great peace in the societies, and 
sound, sure preaching three times a day. 

N. J.] Asbury at Sharp town and Salem. 

Tuesday, 22. We came to Gloucester Point, and on 
to Carpenter's bridge. Here we have a Quaker- 
Methodist meeting-house. I preached upon 2 Peter 
i, 4. Heavy as I was, I had some openings. I 
visited my old friends Thomas and Margaret Taper. 
At Sharptown on Wednesday ; no appointment. I 
walked to the meeting-house. In the burying-ground 
I saw the graves of some of the faithful. Among 
these that of John Venneman, once a traveling 
preacher. We rode to John Frith' s, Salem. No 
appointment. 

N, YJ Great Camp-meeting at Philips's Manor. 

Wednesday, May 7. I viewed the ground at Philips's 
Manor, selected for our camp-meeting. In the even- 
ing we came to Sherwood's Vale, and at night I went 
to the camp-ground and looked on at the people busy 
clearing the ground, fixing the seats, and building 
the stand. 

Thursday, 8. I rested and wrote. 

Friday, 9. Began with a storm, but the people came 
through it, bringing their tents and baggage, weary 
with walking. 

Sunday, n. I preached. It was an open season. 
Companies, here and there dispersed, kept up the 
exercise of singing and prayer through the day and 



5 18 Character and Career of [1806. 

far into the night. The Brooklyn tent was all prayer 
the greater part of the time. 

There were between eighty and one hundred offi- 
cial members present, about one thousand Method- 
ists, and some presumed about six thousand souls 
were on the ground at different times. The people 
were so dispersed, and there was such a continual 
coming and going, I had no means of judging. I 
judge two hundred souls were made the subjects of 
grace in its various operations of conviction, conver- 
sion, sanctification, and reclamation. We had great 

order and great power throughout. Glory ! glory ! 
♦ 

An Important Paper. 

Wednesday, 14. We came to New York. 
Friday, 16. The conference commenced its sitting, 
and rose on Thursday. We sat seven hours in each 
day in great love, order, and peace. A paper was 
read setting forth the uncertain state of the superin- 
tendency, and proposing the election of seven elders 
from each of the seven conferences, to meet at Balti- 
more July 4, 1807, f° r ^e sole purpose of estab- 
lishing the American superintendency on a surer 
foundation. This subject will be submitted to the 
consideration of all the conferences. The answer to 
Dr. Coke's letter by the conference of New York 
was read, to be submitted to all the conferences. I 
preached three times and ordained three African 
deacons. We had preaching in the Park as well 
as regularly in the meeting-houses, and a day of 
fasting and prayer for the health of the city, the suc- 
cess of our conference labors, and the prosperity of 
Zion. 



i8o6.] Bishop Asbuiy Illustrated. 519 

Conn.] "Sister Thatcher." 

Sunday, 25. I preached at New Haven. After 
meeting I visited Sister Thatcher, rejoicing in perfect 
love. Perhaps she is near her end. Since the 16th 
of April, 1805, I have, according to my reckoning, 
traveled five thousand miles. Everlasting glory be 
to my all-sufficient God ! 

Monday, 26. I dined at Meriden, and lodged at 
Mr. Pitkins's, East Hartford. Ttcesday, 27. I reached 
Thompson, forty-five miles, faint, yet pursuing. 

Thursday, 29. We dined at Mr. Boyle's, Needham, 
and rode on to Waltham. A few young people are 
under the operations of grace here, among whom are 
two children of George Pickering. We rested here 
on Friday, and I preached on Phil, i, 8-1 1. 

Mass.] A Hew Chapel in West Boston. 

Sunday, yune 1. I preached in Boston. As usual 
with me in this place, it was an open season. Some 
souls were powerfully moved, myself for one. 

Monday, 2. I took a walk to West Boston to see 
the new chapel, eighty-four by sixty-four feet. The 
upper window frames were put in. 

Me.] Camp-meeting in Maine. 

Friday, 6. We went toward Buxton, to attend the 
camp-meeting. At two o'clock we came on the 
ground. There were twenty preachers, traveling and 
local. 

Saturday, 7. I preached, and on Sunday, also. 
Some judged there were about five thousand people 
on the ground. There were displays of Divine power 
and some conversions. 



520 Character and Career of [i8c6. 

N. H.] New England Conference. 

Thursday, 12. We opened the New England Con- 
ference, and went through our business with haste 
and peace, sitting seven hours a day. The York 
Conference address respecting the superintendency 
was concurred in, and seven elders for this conference 
elected accordingly. 

Vt.] "Why Did I Not Visit this Country Sooner V 

Satt/rday, 21. Brought us over the heights of 
Onion River to Russel's bridge, thence to Bolton and 
Williston, dining at Brother Bradley's. After dinner 
we rattled along to Burlington on Lake Champlain. 
Here I saw a grand college — equal in exterior to that 
of New Haven — a state-house, meeting-house, and 
other elegant buildings. We passed Shelbourne into 
Charlotte, on the lake, and put up with Mr. Fuller. 
We have made forty miles to-day. I am resolved to 
be in every part of the work while I live to preside. 
It will be the best plan to bring on the sessions of all 
the conferences as early as possible, that there may 
be time given to all the preachers to go to work in 
the dawn of spring. The New England Conference 
ready for General Conference, 
should meet about the middle of April, and thus be 

On the Sabbath I preached in an upper room at 
Fuller's to about four hundred people. My subject 
was Luke iv, 18, 19, and God bore witness to his own 
word. Why did I not visit this country sooner ? By 
moving the conferences to an earlier period in the 
year it might have been done, and may yet be done. 
What appeared to me to be impossible, I see now is 
very practicable. 



1806.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 521 

N. Y.] "Not Made for Such Scenes." 

Wednesday, July 2. We came to New York. I had 
left my little traveling wagon to be sold at the Plains. 
On Thursday I came on to Aaron Hunt's. Joseph 
Crawford came over the ferry with me; when about 
to part, he turned away his face and wept. Ah ! I 
am not made for such scenes ; I felt exquisite pain. 

N. J.] Fourth of July. 

At Newark I lodged with Brother Leecraft. I felt 
for, prayed with, and spoke to all the members of 
this family. 

Friday y July 4. Noise, parade, seventeen rounds, 
and then to breakfast. I stole away quietly from this 
bustle toward Rockaway. 

Pa.] Death of Bishop Whatcoat. 

Tuesday, 8. I was on the road at five o'clock. 
After writing some letters, I preached at Kingston 
at five o'clock on Acts xx, 24. On my return I 
found a letter from Doctor Chandler declaring the 
death of Bishop Whatcoat, that father in Israel, and 
my faithful friend for forty years— a man of solid 
parts ; a self-denying man of God. Who ever heard 
him speak an idle word ? when was guile found in his 
mouth ? He had been thirty-eight years in the min- 
istry — sixteen years in England, Wales, and Ireland, 
and twenty-two years in America ; twelve years as 
presiding elder, four of this time he was stationed in 
the cities, or traveling with me, and six years in the 
superintendency. A man so uniformly good I have 
not known in Europe or America. He had long 
been afflicted with gravel and stone, in which afflic- 






522 Character and Career of [i8c6. 

tions, nevertheless, he traveled a great deal — three 
thousand miles the last year. He bore in the last 
three months excessively painful illness with most 
exemplary patience. He died in Dover on the $th 
of July, and his mortal remains were interred under 
the altar of the Wesley Dover church. At his taking 
leave of the South Carolina Conference I thought 
his time was short. I changed my route to visit 
him, but only reached within a hundred and thirty 
miles ; death was too quick for me. 

Del.] Preaches at North East. 

Friday, n, I came to Wilmington; and on Satur- 
day to North East. On the Sabbath I preached. 
Monday brought me to Perry Hall, and on Tuesday 
I reached Baltimore. 

Mi] € A Thankful Sickness. 

Sunday, August 3. I am here at John Davenport's. 
I have been sick, and laid up since Thursday last. 
Copious bleeding, emetics, cathartics, and bark have 
had their turns. The fever, since the day before 
yesterday, has left me. I have been providentially 
favored with a good physician, kind friends, and 
temperate heat ; the Lord hath done this well. 1 
might have been taken among strangers and have 
had more pain. Recollecting I had never preached 
in the neighborhood, and feeling a little unwilling to 
pass another dumb Sabbath, we called a solemn as- 
sembly, as much as if we had come to the funeral of 
one of the family ; my subject was 1 Kings viii, 35—39. 
I was rapid for about an hour. They are faithfully 
warned ; let them look to it. 



1806.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 523 

Va.] Diversity, Oharity, Unity. 

Tuesday, 19. Friendship and good fellowship seem 
to be done away between the Methodists and Pres- 
byterians ; few of the latter will attend our meetings 
now. Well, let them feed their flocks apart ; and 
let not Judah vex Ephraim, or Ephraim, Judah ; and 
may it thus remain, until the two sticks become one 
in the Lord's hands ! 

Tenn.] Asbury's Generous Nature Illustrated, 

Saturday, September 20, the Western Conference 
commenced its sitting, and ended on Monday. The 
Mississippi missionary preachers could not be spared, 
they thought, from their work, and therefore did not 
come. We had great peace. There are fourteen 
hundred added within the bounds of this conference. 
Of the fifty-five preachers stationed all were pleased. 
In unison with the preceding conferences, an answer 
was given to Dr. Coke's letter. We had preaching 
at noon and night, and good was done. The breth- 
ren were in want, and could not suit themselves, so 
I parted with my watch, my coat, and my shirt. By 
order of the conference I preached a funeral discourse 
on the death of our dear friend Whatcoat from John 
i, 47-50 ; there were not far from two thousand peo- 
ple present. 

N. 0.] Over the Mountains. 

Wednesday, October 1. I preached at Samuel Ed- 
ney's. Next day we had to cope with Little and 
Great Hunger Mountain. Now I know what Mills 
Gap is, between Buncombe and Rutherford. One 
of the descents is like the roof of a house for nearly 



524 Character and Career of [1806. 

a mile. I rode, I walked, I sweat, I trembled, and 
my old knees failed. 

S. 0.1 "Wesley's Sermons "Wake the Powers of Asbury's Soul. 

Monday, 20. I rode to Rembert Hall, eleven hun- 
dred and twenty miles from Philadelphia, in health, 
and, I trust, in holiness. Glory to God ! 

Tuesday, 21. Reading closely. Wednesday, Thurs- 
day, Friday, and Saturday, reading the eighth and 
ninth volumes of Wesley's Sermons ; they wake the 
powers of my soul. Abstinence and prayer. I feel 
my mind in great peace, and a stayed trust that the 
Lord will provide for the South Carolina Conference. 
Let the preachers go, as they have done, to their 
farms and their merchandise, yet I am greatly confi- 
dent of the success of the cause of God in these parts. 

Bound for Charleston. 
Monday, 27. I am bound for the city of Charles- 
ton. We sought lodging at two houses at Bruton's 
Lake. We found it at Mr. Martin's. On Tuesday 
we made twenty-five miles to Murray's Ferry. At 
Long Ferry, to which we were obliged to steer, we 
were detained five hours through the swamp ; heat 
and mosquitoes plenty. We rode twenty miles after 
sundown to get to Mr. Hatchett's, at Monk's Cor- 
ner ; the family being sick, we went to Mr. Jones's, 
who kindly entertained us ; we made fifty miles to- 
day, and came to lodgings about ten o'clock at 
night. On Wednesday we came through heat and 
heavy roads to Charleston, where we found all 
things well and in good order. Lewis Myers is an 
economist. 



i8o6.] Bishop As bury Illustrated. 525 

How Employed in Charleston, 

Sunday, November 2. At Cumberland-street church 
I preached in the morning, and at Bethel in the 
afternoon. 

Monday, 3. Neither unemployed, nor triflingly. If 
we call for social prayer seven times a day there are 
none to complain ; the house is our own, and profane 
people board not with us. My time is spent in read- 
ing, writing, and receiving all who come, whites and 
Africans ; I am sometimes called away in the midst 
of a letter. God the Lord is here. I am happy that 
we have finished our new church, and bought an acre 
of ground ; should I live long, I shall see a house in 
the Northern Liberties of Cooper River. On Tices- 
day I wrote a letter to Dr. Coke, giving a general 
statement of the late work of God upon our continent. 

Sunday, 9. I preached again in Cumberland church, 
on 2 Cor. iv, 17, 18. I spoke under serious depres- 
sion of body and mind ; in the afternoon I gave them 
a discourse at the Bethel church upon Phil, i, 27-30. 
I have read many pages of Church History, written 
twelve long letters, preached four sermons, and re- 
ceived all visitors, and spoken to them on the con- 
cerns of their souls. 

GaJ "I Shall Take Care of These Youngsters." 

Sabbath, 16. The morning was cold, and few hear- 
ers ; my subject was Rom. xiii, 2. High time indeed. 
In the afternoon I spoke again on Heb. xi, 25, 26. 
I wrote to Daniel Hitt on things sacred. I am 
grieved to have to do with boys. Hugh Porter had 
written to this town about a station, and added to 



526 Character and Career of [1806. 

the mischief he had formerly done. I shall take care 
of these youngsters. And behold, here is a bell over 
the gallery ! and cracked too ; may it break ! It is 
the first I ever saw in a house of ours in America ; I 
hope it will be the last. 

Asbury's Independence. 

Sabbath, December 7. At Tait's meeting-house I 
preached upon Luke xii, 40. It was a very cold day, 
and the house was so open we had little satisfaction. 
I visited Charles Tait, a judge; I did not present 
myself in the character of a gentleman, but as a 
Christian and a Christian minister ; I would visit 
the President of the United States in no other char- 
acter. True, I would be innocently polite and respect- 
ful, no more. 

"A Kumpus— -Lawyers and Doctors in Arms." 
Thursday, 25. Our new chapel at Liberty is thirty 
by fifty feet. I gave them a sermon in it on 1 Peter 
iv, 3-5. Lodged at Joshua Moore's. On Friday I 
found Myles Green preaching ; I ordained him im- 
mediately, and then gave a discourse on Heb. xii, 
1, 2. After meeting I came on to Sparta. I received 
a dozen letters from the north. More good news 
from Doctor Chandler. The work of God is wonder- 
ful in Delaware. But what a rumpus is raised ! We 
are subverters of government, disturbers of society, 
movers of * insurrection. Grand juries in Delaware 
and Virginia have presented the noisy preachers ; 
lawyers and doctors are in arms ; the lives, blood, and 
livers of the poor Methodists are threatened, foor, 
crazy sinners, see ye not that the Lord is with % us ? 



1806.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 527 

Conference at Sparta, 
Monday, 29. We began our conference. The sub- 
ject of the delegated conference was adopted, with 
only two dissenting voices ; these members, however, 
cheerfully submitted, and one of the dissentients was 
elected a member. All was peace respecting the 
stations. I was called upon to deliver a funeral dis- 
course for Bishop Whatcoat. We have fifty travel- 
ing preachers in this conference this year, and an in- 
crease of one thousand members. 

S. 0,3 " Kedeeming the Time." 

On Thursday \ January 1, 1807, we se t out for 
Columbia, dining in the woods on our route ; it was 
excessively cold. I preached in Mr. Harrison's 
louse in the evening. Next day we came to Cam- 
len. Saturday brought us to Rembert Hall. We 
lave been redeeming time by riding two hundred 
md twenty miles in five days. I must now answer 
thirteen letters in two days. My body is afflicted, 
Dut I am kept in perfect love. 

LCU "Cold, Sick, and Paint." 

Friday y 16, brought us through Lumberton, in North 
Carolina, lodging with Peter Gautier. We found 
ourselves obliged to ride on the Lord's day through 
the cold to Wilmington, crossing. two rivers in a snow 
and hail storm. I have ridden four hundred and 
twenty miles in ten days and a half-— cold, sick, 
and faint ; it was as much as I could well bear 
up under. 



528 Character and Career of [1807. 

At Newbern Conference— Statistics. 

Saturday, 31, brought us to Newbern ; we had an 
awful storm of rain. 

February 1. I preached on Sunday at eleven o'clock. 

Wednesday, 4. We have used great diligence in our 
conference labors, and have been faithful to the pul- 
pit. I preached to-day on 1 Cor. ii, 5. On the Sab- 
bath I preached to the whites on John iii, 16, and to 
the Africans on Eph. vi, 5-8. Much might be said ; 
I will only observe that we have sixty-seven preach- 
ers, and have added three thousand one hundred and 
fifty-nine to this conference bounds. We have since 
our sitting here known that there are twenty whites 
converted and as many blacks. These blessings on 
our labors pay all expenses, reward all toils in the 
midst of suffering and excessively cold weather. 

Va.] "A Out of Dry Bread on the Cold Ground." 

Friday, 13. We came to Suffolk. I had sent on 
a messenger and found a congregation, to whom I 
spoke a few words on 1 Pet. iii, 10-12. We felt a 
present God. At Norfolk I preached for them, and 
at Portsmouth. On Monday we came away to Gen- 
eral Wells's, Isle of Wight county, and next day called 
upon Willy Blunt on our way to Birdsong's. Wednes- 
day brought us through a proper storm to Petersburg ; 
the streets were not easily passable. We lodged on 
Thursday night in Richmond at the house of Widow 
Tucker ; the road hither nearly mired us. On Friday 
we lodged at William Smith's ; these are friends to 
camp-meetings and gracious souls. A long ride of 
forty-two miles brought us to Fredericksburg on 



1807.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 529 

Saturday ; we got a little fodder for our horses, and 
took a cut of dry bread on the cold ground ourselves. 
My mind enjoys great peace, and yet there are sub- 
jects that might disturb it, but I pass them over. I 
am not fond of hurting the feelings of people. * 

Md.] Baltimore Conference— One Hundred Members, 

Saturday \ March 7. Our conference commenced in 
sitting on Monday, and rose this evening. There 
were a hundred and one members upon the list ; 
eighteen of these were additions made. We had a 
great deal of faithful preaching. On the Sabbath I 
preached at the Point, and at Light-street I gave 
them my last discourse. I was in affliction and un- 
well, but always in peace. God is all and in all. 

Va.] Asbury Sick, but Traveling. 

Monday \ 23. We came to dear William Downing's, 
in Accomack. I came in late and unwell. 

Tuesday, 24. When I should have gone to preach, 
I went to bed ill with a bilious colic and fever. We 
came to Snow Hill on Wednesday ; my chill and sick- 
ness continued, and Daniel Hitt preached. We kept 
on to Poplartown, and stopped at C. Hazzard's. Still 
unwell. 

Del.] Milford the Place of Bishop Whatcoat's Last Sermon. 

Friday, 27. At Milford Bishop Whatcoat preached 
his last sermon ; and as I preached here upon 2 Tim. 
iv, 7, 8, it came as a matter of course to make some 
observations on his character, labors, piety, and 

death. 

34 



530 Character and Career of [1807. 

Pa.] Philadelphia Conference. 

Wednesday, April 1. We arrived in Philadelphia. 
Friday, 10. Our conference commenced in session 
on Thursday the 2d, and finished to-day. We pro- 
gressed and finished in great peace. The preachers 
took their stations very willingly for aught I know. 
Seven deacons and four elders were ordained. On 
the Sabbath, at St. George's, I preached on Rev. ii, 
10. The subject of Bishop Whatcoat was incorpo- 
rated into my discourse at the Tabernacle ; my text 
was Rev. xiv, 1 3. There was preaching in our houses 
as usual on conference occasions. 

N. J.] G-reat Prosperity at Bethel. 

Saturday, n. I came into New Jersey, and lodged 
with Daniel Bates. 

Sabbath, 12. I stood up once more at Bethel, and 
spoke on Rev. xxii, 14, 15. God hath been in this 
society ; in the last year forty converts were added 
at one quarterly meeting ; the people cease to oppose. 
We hope there have been three hundred souls con- 
verted in one year in this neighborhood. 

Grandfather Budd. 

Saturday, 18. At New Mills I gave a kind of 
funeral for Bishop Whatcoat. I found old Grand- 
father Budd worshiping, leaning upon the top of his 
staff — halting, yet wrestling like Jacob. Ah ! we 
remember when Israel was a child ; but now, how 
goodly are thy tents, O Jacob ! and thy tabernacles, 
(camp-meetings,) O Israel! Since October, 1771, I 
have visited New Jersey, but never have I seen such 
prospects. To God the Lord be dl the glory ! 



1 807.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 531 

N. Y.] Conference at Ooeyman's Patent, 

On Friday 29, we made forty miles over desperate 
roads, and lodged at a tavern seven miles short of 
Coeyman's Patent, where the conference was to sit 

Saturday, May 2. We met with such of the mem- 
bers of the conference as were present. 

Saturday y 9. We concluded our labors. 

Vt.] Crossing the Green Mountain— Imminent Danger. 

Thursday, 14. We boldly engaged the Green Mount- 
ain, of which we had heard awful accounts. I match 
it with rude Clinch or rough Alleghany. We found 
snow in the gap. A tree was lying across the path. 
In leading the carriage over it upset, but sustained 
little damage. Having dined at Pittsfield, we took 
fresh courage and proceeded on. When we came to 
White's River we were obliged to lead the horses as 
they dragged the carriage up the heights, over rocks, 
logs, and cavings-in of the earth. Arrived at the 
Narrows, we found that the bank had given way and 
slidden down. I proposed to work the carriage along 
over by hand, while Daniel Hitt led the horses. He 
preferred my leading them, so on we went, but I was 
weak and not enough attentive, perhaps, and the mare 
ran me upon a rock. Up went the wheel, hanging 
balanced over a precipice of fifty feet — rocks, trees, 
and the river between us. I felt lame by the mare's 
treading on my foot. We unhitched the beast and 
righted the carriage, after unloading the baggage, and 
so got over the danger and difficulty. But never in 
my life have I been in such apparent danger. O Lord, 
thou hast saved man and beast ! 



532 Character and Career of [1807. 

N, H,] Difficulty of Finding Entertainment, 

Thursday, 28. We dined at Epping, New Hamp- 
shire, and came on within six miles of Haverhill. To 
travel forty miles a day, and be under the necessity 
of going into dram and sin-infected taverns : it is 
such a journey that teaches us the value of hospitality 
in the South, and the excellency of Methodism every- 
where. 

Mass.] Fifty-nine Ordinations, 

Monday, June 1. Came to Boston. On Tuesday 
we opened our conference, ninety-two preachers 
being on the list. 

Saturday, 6. Our conference rose. There were 
eight hundred dollars paid, and we were nearly three 
thousand insolvent. It kept us busy to preach five 
times a day, ordain fifty-nine to office, and inquire 
and examine into the characters, graces, and gifts, 
and appoint the numerous stations. 

N. Y.] One Hundred Miles up the Mohawk. 

Monday, 15. Faint, sick, and lame. I made twenty 
miles to Schenectady, and was entertained at Isaac 
Johnson's. He is a disciple of W. Hickson's, gained 
by preaching in the streets of Brooklyn, Long Island. 
I rejoiced to hear that Robert Dillon preached in the 
market-house at Troy. Wednesday brought us over 
Yankee Hill to Frank's. We came to Elwood's on 
Thursday, crossing Schoharie Creek. On Friday 
we rode ten miles out of our way, and made a long 
journey of forty-five miles. We came in at nine 
o'clock at night to Elijah Davis's. We have traveled 
one hundred miles up the Mohawk. 



1807.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 533 

Asbury on his First Visit through Genesee and Tioga 
Counties, 

Friday, yuly 10. We directed our route through 
Newtown, upon the East Branch of the Susquehanna, 
to Showmang. Rested awhile at Jacob Cresse's and 
then passed the narrows of the river, continuing on 
by Shepherd's mill to Taylors tavern. 

Saturday, n, brought us to the camp-meeting on 
Squire Light's ground. We found it had been in 
operation two days. God is in the camp and with us. 
I preached on the camp-ground from Matt, xviii, 2. 
The heights of the Susquehanna are stupendous, 
the bottom lands very fertile ; but this river runs 
through a country of unpleasing aspect, morally and 
physically : rude, irregular, uncultivated is the ground, 
wild, ignorant, and wicked are the people. I am 
now on my first journey through Genesee and Tioga 
counties. 

An Uproar Among the People, 

Sunday, 12. My subject was 2 Cor. v, 20. My con- 
gregation may have doubled in numbers to-day, and 
there were no troublesome drunkards. I feel as if 
God would own this meeting now, and continue to 
own it many days, in various families and places. I 
ordained five worthy men local preachers, namely, 
Daniel Wilcox, John B. Hudson, Samuel Emmit, 
John M'Caine, and Nathaniel Lewis, to the office of 
deacon. Had I not made this visit these men might 
have waited a long time, or taken a long ride to find 
me. In the afternoon {Sabbath) there was an uproar 
among the people. Some intoxicated young men 
seated themselves by the women and refused to move 
until compelled. They fought those men who came 






534 Character and Career of [1807. 

to take them away, and when the presiding elder in- 
terfered they struck at him, and one of the guards 
also, who was helping by order of the constables. 
One Kemp, chief bully, arrested A. Owen on Monday 
morning for the Sabbath breaking, drunkenness, and 
fighting of this Kemp and his crew. The presiding 
elder was charged with having struck Kemp and 
then running away. Nor was the poor bishop spared. 
He too had been fighting. It was well for him that 
he was not on the ground at the time. I was quiet 
in my room. 

Entertained Like Kings. 
Friday, 17. To Sutton's, ten miles. The house 
neat as a palace, and we were entertained like kings 
by a king and queen. It was no small consolation 
to lie down on a clean floor after all we had suffered 
from dirt and all its consequences. Once more I am 
at Wyoming. 

Beading in 1807— Formality. 
Wednesday, 22. We crossed the Lehigh to Allen- 
town, beautifully situated ; superior in this respect, 
perhaps, to Bethlehem. We breakfasted at the end 
of twelve miles, and came on to Kuteztown. On 
Thursday morning we bent our course through 
Reading. The views of meadows and fields were 
grand — beautiful. Reading may have two hundred 
houses, one street in a style of grandeur approaching 
to that of Philadelphia, as it respects the houses ; the 
rest have much of the German feature. Through 
Adamstown, where we breakfasted, we came on over 
rocks and hills to New Holland. Here, as at Read- 
ing, there are fine new churches for the German 



1807.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 535 

Lutherans and German Calvinists. These are the 
citadels of formality — fortifications erected against the 
apostolic itinerancy of a more evangelical ministry. 

"What Hath God Wrought in America?" 

Saturday, 25. We came through Lancaster to 
Columbia. On the Sabbath day I preached in a lot 
near the river. We may have had seven hundred 
people. My subject was 2 Cor. v, 14. The mission- 
aries, Boehm and Hunter, were present. On Monday 
I came to Little York. Here I met with Nelson 
Reed. It is but too manifest that the success of our 
labors, more especially at camp-meetings, has roused 
a spirit of persecution against us. We shall never 
abandon them, but shall subdue our enemies by over- 
coming evil with good. What hath God wrought in 
America? In thirty-six years we find one hundred 
and forty-four thousand five hundred and ninety in 
number. In England, after seventy-seven years, 
they count one hundred and fifty thousand nine 
hundred and seventy-four. They may have^ thirty 
millions of souls in the three kingdoms to labor 
among, and we not more, perhaps, than five millions. 
Our traveling preachers, five hundred and thirty-six, 
at present ; the rest, local and official, about fourteen 
hundred. 
VaJ On Virginia Soil. 

August 23. I preached in an excellent stone meet- 
ing-house, at Short Creek, to about one thousand 
souls, from 2 Cor. iii, 7, 8. We crossed over into the 
State of Ohio on Monday, and I gave them a sermon 
in the court-house at St. Clairsville. 






536 Character and Career of [1807. 

Ohio.] "Every Family Shall Know Me by Prayer." 

By hard labor we reached Frankfort on Tuesday ; 
thence we made Spears's on Wednesday ; on Thurs- 
day came to Densenbury's ; on Friday to Teal's. In 
four days and a half we have traveled one hundred 
and thirty miles — mud, gullies, stumps, and hills. 
Every family shall know me by prayer. Saturday I 
devoted to rest. I have hastily marked above two 
hundred hymns, taken from the Congregational hymn 
book, to add to a new American edition, which, I 
hope, will be as good as any extant. 

Ohillicothe Conference Statistics. 

On Monday, September 14, we opened our confer- 
ence in great peace and love, and continued sitting, 
day by day, until Friday noon. A delegation of seven 
members was chosen to the General Conference. 
There were thirteen preachers added, and we found 
an addition of two thousand two hundred members 
to the society in these bounds ; seven deacons were 
elected and ordained, and ten elders ; two preachers 
only located ; sixty-six preachers were stationed. 

Finding my work done, and my carriage sold, I 
ventured once more to take horse, with a determina- 
tion to visit the frontier settlements on the Great 
Miami River. 

Asbury Young Again. 

On Friday, 23, we stopped in Cincinnati, and dined 
with Mr. Farris. Solomon and Oliver Langdon had 
come on, and were of the company. 

Saturday, 26. Rested, read, and wrote. I am young 
again, and boast of being able to ride six thousand 



1807.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 537 

miles on horseback in ten months. My round will 
embrace the United States, the Territory, and Can- 
ada. My companions and myself are busy compiling 
the new hymn book. 

Ky.] Camp-Meeting at Mount Gerizim. 

Friday y October 2. Attended the camp-meeting at 
Mount Gerizim. On Saturday I spoke on 2 Tim. 
ii, 19. On Sunday my text was Isaiah xlv, 23. Pos- 
sibly we had two thousand souls to hear us. We had 
a Sabbath love-feast and sacrament ; and doubtless 
there were precious souls converted (report says 
about thirty) and sanctified. I conversed with Val- 
entine Cook on the subject of a mission ; he held 
back. Ah ! how hardly shall they who have families 
growing up enter into and keep in the traveling 
connection. 

Tenn.] Weary and Faint, but Disposed to Sing and Shout. 

Monday, 12. We had a heavy ride to Holston, forty 
miles. We stopped with Martin Stubblefield. 

On Tuesday we rested ; and it may be allowed, 
considering our six days' ride through heat, great 
heat and drought. At night I preached from 1 Thess. 
iv, 3 ; and weary and faint as I was, I felt strongly 
disposed to sing and shout away as loud as the 
youngest. 
N. 0,] Through Five States. 

Sabbath, 25. Our journey hither from Chillicothe 
has brought us through five States. Report says 
there is an awful affliction in Charleston — the mortal 
fever. I preached to-day at Salem on 2 Chron. vi, 
29-31 ; we had a serious time. 



538 Character and Career of [1807. 



Ga.] "A Sick, Weak Old Man." 

Thursday, November 12. I was taken ill with an 
influenza. 

Monday, 23. I have been one week sick at Sparta. 
This evening I arrived, a sick, weak old man, at Mr. 
Bush's. 

S. 0.] Conference at Charleston, 

Friday, ^January 1, 1808. Our conference began. 
We sat six hours a day, had great harmony, and little 
or no trouble in stationing the preachers. Preaching 
every noon to the conference and others. In my 
sermon on Sabbath day, at the old church, I took 
some notice of the life and labors of Bennett Kendrick 
and George Dougharty. The increase of members 
in the bounds of this and the Western Conference, 
for this year, is three thousand seven hundred mem- 
bers ; preachers twenty-three. 

U. CJ The Balance in Asbnry's Pavor. 

Wednesday ', 13. We reached Mecklenburg, and 
stayed with our friend Mecham Wilson, a Presbyte- 
rian minister, where we were comfortably and kindly 
accommodated. On TJmrsday we found the mam 
branch of Rocky River unfordable. We stopped at 
Squire M'Curdy's. Friday brought us through Con- 
cord to Savage's. On Saturday we set out over the 
frozen roads, and stopped at the end of ten miles to 
breakfast with the Rev. John Brown, a Presbyterian 
minister in Salisbury ; thence we came away to John 
Hitt's. In this journey, on the one side I may put 
down cold, hunger, rain, floods, frost, bad roads, and 



1808.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 539 

a lame horse ; on the other, prayer, patience, peace, 
love. The balance is greatly in my favor. 

Va,] A Methodist Patriarch, 

Tuesday, February 23. For some days we have 
rested under the roof of Herman Hitt. He is now 
eighty-six. He has now lived to see four generations. 
He is the head of eighteen families. Three of his 
sons are preachers, Martin, Daniel, and Samuel, and 
his grandson William also. 

Conference at Alexandria, 

Wednesday, 24. I preached at Leesburg. On Thiers- 
day we came to Doctor Wright's, and thence went 
on to William Watters's. Here I rested, and read 
and wrote on Friday. We arrived in Alexandria on 
Saturday. 

Wednesday, March 2. Our conference began. We 
labored diligently, and in great peace. On the Sab- 
bath I preached and ordained deacons. Souls have 
been converted since we. are here. 

Md.] Pive Thousand Miles a Tear. 

Wednesday, 9. Our conference ended, and I came 
away to Annapolis. We came into the city about 
six in the evening. Have traveled all day without 
fire, food, or water. Since the twentieth of this 
month (1807) we have traveled five thousand miles 
according to my computation. I rested on Thursday, 
and preached ; and next day went to Baltimore. It 
was excessively cold, but we did not stop on the road. 
At seven o'clock I preached at Old Town. Satur- 
day was a day of rest. 



540 Character and Career of [1808. 

"Will Bonaparte Conquer the World?" 

Monday, 14. I took a view of our new house ; large, 
and well constructed. I preached to the African 
congregation. On Tuesday we moved off to Ben- 
nett's. Wednesday noon found us at Howell's ; at 
night we were in Delaware, at Keagy's. O my soul, 
rest in God ! I am sometimes led to think the whole 
world will rise up against the pretensions of England 
to the dominion of the seas. Will Bonaparte con- 
quer the world ? He may ; but will he govern it, and 
reign universal emperor over sea and land ? No, no, 
no. Here I rest. 

Pa.] Asbury did not Please Every Body. 

I preached in passing through Wilmington on Fri- 
day, and on Saturday we got into Philadelphia. I 
preached at St. George's twice ; at the Academy, at 
Ebenezer, and at Bethel, African. We sat from Sab- 
bath to Sabbath in conference ; our business was con- 
ducted in great peace, but I did not please every 
body by the appointments of the stations. 

E". J.] Swiftly Through Hew Jersey. 

Monday, 28. We set out for the Jerseys, through 
which we passed swiftly to New York. We arrived 
on Wednesday. Jersey and York are blessed with 
revivals of religion. 

N, T.] Conference in Amenia. 

Wednesday, April 6. Our conference for New York 
began in Amenia. On the Sabbath I preached in 
the town meeting-house, and ordained seven elders. 
It was a time of solemnity, and we had nearly fifteen 



1808.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 541 

hundred people to hear. This conference is pleas- 
ant to me : I am near my work, I am not disturbed 
by company, and we make good progress with our 
business. I stationed eighty-eight preachers. 

Oonn,] Conference at New London. 

Sunday, 17. Easter Sunday. I preached in the 
Baptist meeting-house, the Baptists occupied ours. 
Theirs was the larger building, and we had it crowded. 
Conference sat until Friday ; we wrought in haste, in 
great order, and in peace, through a great deal of 
business. There were seventeen deacons, traveling 
and local, ordained ; and nine elders ordained in the 
Congregational church, before fifteen hundred or two 
thousand witnesses. I know not where large congre- 
gations are so orderly as in the Eastern States. 
There were deficiencies in money matters, but no 
complaints. 

Methodism Advancing. 

Monday, 25. We came in haste to Milford, Strat- 
ford, Bridgeport, and Fairfield to Stamford, forty-two 
miles. On Tuesday, a thirty-eight miles' ride brought 
us into New York. I feel my shoulders eased a 
little now that I have met the seven conferences. 
The increase this short year is seven thousand five 
hundred in round numbers. 

N. J.] From New York Southward. 

Wednesday, 27. I preached at the African church, 
and ordained D. Coker and W. Miller. 

Thursday, 28. We set out and reached a place 
ten miles beyond Brunswick in New Jersey. On 



542 Character and Career of [ 1 808. 

Friday we reached Hancock's. Saturday brought us 
through Burlington to Philadelphia, where we dined 
and stopped. At Kensington I preached a Sabbath 
sermon. At the African Zoar I also preached. 

Md.1 Death of Mr. G-ough— His Character. 

Monday, May 2. We set out and reached Keagy's 
forty-two miles. On Tuesday we arrived at Perry 
Hall ; truly we came to the house of mourning ; the 
master is possibly dying. Mr. Gough is dead ; I saw 
and touched his dying body. Harry Dorsey Gough 
professed more than thirty years ago to be convicted 
and sanctified ; that he did depart from God is well 
known, but it is equally certain that he was visibly 
restored. As I was the means of his first turning to 
God, so was I also of his return and restoration. In 
his last hours, which were painfully afflictive, he was 
much given up to God. Mr. Gough had inherited a 
large estate from a relation in England, and having 
the means, he indulged his taste for gardening, and 
the expensive embellishment of his country seat, 
Perry Hall, which was always hospitably open to 
visitors, particularly those who feared God. Although 
a man of plain understanding, Mr. Gough was much 
respected and beloved ; as a husband, a father, and a 
master, he was well worthy of imitation ; his chari- 
ties were as numerous as proper objects to a Chris- 
tian were likely to make them ; and the souls and 
bodies of the poor were administered to in the man- 
ner of a Christian who remembered the precepts and 
followed the example of his Divine Master. 



i8o8.] Bishop Asbitry Illustrated. 543 

General Conference. 

Friday ', 6. Our General Conference opened in peace. 
On Saturday one hundred and twenty-nine members 
took their seats. The new church in Eutaw-street 
was opened on the Sabbath day, and I gave a dis- 
course on the occasion from 2 Cor. iii, 12. On the 
26th the conference rose. We have done very little 
except making the rule for representation hereafter 
one member to the General Conference for every six 
members to the Annual Conference, and the electing 
dear Brother M'Kendree assistant bishop. The bur- 
den is now borne by two pair of shoulders instead of 
one ; the care is cast upon two hearts and heads. 

Henry Boehm— Asbniy's Traveling Companion. 

Thursday, June 16, my companion, Boehm, went 
to Middletown ; I stayed at home and read. Friday, 
rain. I preached on Rev. iii, 20 ; Brother Boehm 
also spoke in German. Saturday we rode to Hagers- 
town. Our German brethren of Otterbeine's have 
shouldered us out, but have failed to establish them- 
selves. 
Va.] Asbnry Disabled. 

Sabbath, July 17. With the aid of two crutches I 
hobbled into meeting at Brownsville, and preached 
on John iii, 17. I am sorely lame. I dined with 
Mr. Hogg ; a kind, polite English family. On Mon- 
day I had a severe ride to Chalfant's, and then on to 
John Brightwell's. I am fairly arrested in my course ; 
my knees and feet are so disabled that I am lifted to 
bed. I can neither ride, stand, nor walk. 



544 Character and Career of [1808. 

Ohio.] A Decree, but Not of the Medes and Persians. 

August 17. We dined at Brother Cutlers on Wed- 
nesday y and came on through Xenia to Frederick Bon- 
ner's, Little Miami, thirty-two miles. I have more 
than once put the wrong foot foremost in my jour- 
neys to the west : the spring will not do because of 
wet, and deep, and dismal roads ; the summer's ex- 
treme heat, and the small and the green flies, make 
disagreeable traveling. I make a decree, but not of 
the Medes and Persians, never in future to cross the 
mountains before the first of September, nor leave 
Carlisle before the first of October. 

Ey.] Disadvantages of a Local Episcopacy. 

Friday, September 9. I feel for the people of the 
territory ; but we must suffer with them if we expect 
to feel for them as we ought, and here are the disad- 
vantages of a loeal episcopacy — that it cannot be 
interested for its charge as it should be because it 
sees not, suffers not with, and therefore feels not for, 
the people. 

Tenn.] Conference at Green Hills— Slavery. 

Saturday, October 1. I began conference. I preached 
twice on the Sabbath day, and again on Tuesday. 
Our conference was a camp-meeting. We sat six 
hours a day, stationed eighty-three preachers, and all 
was peace. We made a regulation respecting slavery : 
it was, that no member of society, or preacher, should 
sell or buy a slave unjustly, inhumanly, or covetously ; 
the case, on complaint, to be examined, for a mem- 
ber, by the quarterly meeting ; and for a preacher, 
on appeal to an annual conference. Where the guilt 



i8o8.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 545 

was proved the offender to be expelled. The families 
of the Hills, Sewalls, and Cannon were greatly and 
affectionately attentive to us. 

N. 0.] Jesse Kichardson, the Veteran. 

Saturday, 29. We have rested for three days past. 
We fell in with Jesse Richardson ; he is a veteran who 
has learned to " endure hardness like a good soldier 
of the Lord Jesus Christ." On Sunday I preached 
in Buncombe court-house upon 1 Thess. i, 7-10. I 
lodged with a chiefman, a Mr. Irwin. Henry Boehm 
went to Pigeon Creek to preach to the Dutch. 

Henry Boehm and a Shout. 

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, November 1, 
2, 3, I rested, read, and preached but once. On Fri- 
day we descended the heights of Cooper's Gap, to 
our friend David Dickey's. Fasting, and the labor of 
lowering ourselves down from the mountain top, have 
made us feeble. Bishop M'Kendree preached upon 
" Cast not away your confidence.'' On the Sabbath 
Brother Boehm spoke in the morning at eight o'clock, 
I preached from Matt, xvii, 5 ; exhortations followed, 
and Brother Boehm ended our Sabbath labors by 
preaching at night, when there was a considerable 
move. We came away on Monday by Rutherford 
court-house to G. Moore's. At Moore's chapel on 
Tuesday I preached from Colossians ii, 6. Henry 
Boehm spoke at night ; verily we had a shout ! A 
noble ride of forty miles brought us next day to 
Williams's, in Lincoln. I preached on Friday. My 
mind hath great peace, but my body is weak. The 

prospects are reviving and cheering in the South 

35 



546 Character and Career of [1808. 

Carolina Conference, and they will grow better every 
year. 

S. 0.] Asbury, Boehm, and M'Kendree. 

Sabbath, 20. I preached in the tabernacle in Cam- 
den in the morning, and Brother Boehm in the after- 
noon, and Bishop M'Kendree at night. Letters from 
the presiding elders announce great times in camp- 
meetings. 

"Great News— Baltimore Taken lire." 

Sabbath, 27. At Rembert chapel my subject was 
Rev. vii, 14-17. Brothers Smith and Boehm followed 
with energetic exhortations. I felt dejected in mind, 
and my soul was humbled. I suffer much from ill 
health, too close application to business, and from 
having preached in the open air. I filled an appoint- 
ment made for Bishop M'Kendree at Rembert's. On 
Monday I rode forty-five miles to Mr. Keel's ; we 
crossed Murray's next day, and stopped in the even- 
ing at the Widow Kennedy's. Wednesday we had a 
heavy ride, and I felt it from top to bottom. Great 
news ! Baltimore taken fire — Bohemia has a great 
work. Camp-meetings have done this. Glory to the 
great I AM ! 

Glorious Prospects in Charleston, 
Sunday, December 4. At Cumberland church we 
had a sacramental day. I preached at Bethel in the 
afternoon. We have a great change and a glorious 
prospect here in Charleston and in the neighborhood 
among both descriptions of people. By our colored 
missionaries the Lord is doing wonders among the 
Africans. 



1808.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 547 

Wesley Mr, Asbmy's ModeL 

Monday, 5. I am closely employed in reading and 
writing letters, and receiving company. Our house 
is a house of prayer ten or twelve times a day. I 
read Mr. Wesley's Journal. Ah ! how little it makes 
me feel — the faithfulness, the diligence of this great 
man of God ! I cannot meet the classes like him, 
but I have a daily throng of white and black who 
apply for spiritual instruction. 

Ga.] Two Bishops in Partnership. 

Sabbath, 18. I preached in Augusta chapel. My 
flesh sinks under labor. We are riding in a poor 
thirty-dollar chaise, in partnership, two bishops of us, 
but it must be confessed it tallies well with the weight 
of our purses : what bishops ! well : but we hear 
great news, and we have great times, and each west- 
ern, southern, and the Virginia Conference will have 
one thousand souls truly converted to God ; and is 
not this an equivalent for a light purse ? and are we 
not well paid for starving and toil ? yes ; glory be 
to God ! 

Three Hundred Preachers at a Camp-Meeting. 
Sabbath, 25. Christmas Day. I preached on John 
hi, 1 7. We opened our conference on Monday. We 
had great labor, which we went through in great 
peace. Between sixty and seventy men were present, 
all of one spirit. We appointed three missionaries — 
one for Tombigbee, one to Ashley and Savannah 
and the country between, and one to labor between 
Santee and Cooper Rivers. Increase within the 
bounds of this conference, three thousand and eighty- 



548 Character and Career of [1809. 

eight. The number of traveling and local preachers 
present are about three hundred. There are people 
here with their tents who have come one hundred 
and fifty miles. The prospects of doing good are 
glorious. We have already added two new circuits 
and gained six preachers. There may have been 
from two to three thousand persons assembled. I 
preached once. 

S, 0.] A Sabbath at Camden. 

Sabbath, January 8, 1809. I preached in our en- 
larged meeting-house in Camden ; it was a feeling 
season. We came away on Monday morning through 
clouds and a cold rain, twenty-six miles, to Brother 
Woodham's, on Lynch's Creek. I ordained Stephen 
Thompson a deacon. In crossing Cashaway ferry 
on Tuesday, it was a mercy we were not thrown into 
the water, like poor Hilliard Judge. We were kindly 
and comfortably lodged by Esquire Nevil. My mind 
most d'eeply felt for the salvation of this most amiable 
family. 
N.CU But Three Married Men in the Virginia Conference. 

Wednesday, February 1. Opened the Virginia Con- 
ference. We had eighty-four preachers present, sixty 
of them the most pleasing, promising young men ; 
seventeen preachers were admitted. In all the con- 
ference there are but three married men. The high 
taste of these southern folks will not permit their 
families to be degraded by an alliance with a Meth- 
odist traveling preacher, and thus involuntary celib- 
acy is imposed upon us. All the better; care and 
anxiety about worldly possessions do not stop us in 
our course, and we are saved from the pollution of 
negro slavery and oppression. 



1809.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated, 549 

VaJ Conversion of John Kyail Bradley. 

Friday, 17. I preached in Petersburg. After meet- 
ing I rode home with John Ryall Bradley, now warm 
in his first love. He was strangely brought to God. 
He was alone on a Sabbath day and was reading, 
what he indeed seldom read, his prayer-book ; sud- 
denly he was powerfully struck with keen conviction ; 
he began to pray without book, and with all his 
might : what followed came of course. At his con- 
version he had a stud of race-horses to part with. 

Asbury Glad to See the Preachers, But 

Tuesday \ 21. A forty-five miles' ride, without food 
for man or beast, brought us in, after being twice lost 
in the woods, to Brother M'Gruder's. We reached 
Frederick Gilliam's, beyond the Green Mountain, on 
Thursday. We seldom lodge at a house without the 
company of preachers. We are pleased to see them, 
but would be better pleased to know they were on 
their circuits faithfully at work. On Friday we 
passed Charlotteville, within sight of fair Monticello, 
the seat of Thomas Jefferson. 

lid.] The Graves of Departed Friends. 

March 9. We reached Baltimore on Thursday. 
Friday and Saturday received letters and visitors. 
My soul is greatly humbled in this city. I tremble 
for the ark, and fear my own soul will suffer loss. 

Sabbath, 19. At Light-street my subject was 
2 Chron. xv, 2. In the evening I preached again 
upon Hosea vi, 1. On Monday we went to the camp- 
meeting near Perry Hall, and I preached in the chape] 



550 Character and Career of [1809. 

upon Philippians ii, 12-15. As I rode by the graves 
of the elders of the Gough family the image of my 
dear departed Harry Gough was very present to me. 

Del.] Names Sacred to Methodism. 

Sunday, 26. At Milford my subject was Ezek. ix, 4. 
Very open and alarming time to saints and sinners. 
On Monday, at Barratt's chapel, I preached and bap- 
tized some children. I had powerful feelings of sympa- 
thy for the children and grandchildren of that holy man 
in life and death, Philip Barratt. We felt the wind, 
on our way to Dover, like the piercing of a sword. 
My dear friends, Governor Basset and his lady, came 
nearly forty miles to meet me. I preached in Dover, 
and baptized James Molison, advanced in life. I 
have suffered incredibly by the cold in the last hun- 
dred and thirty miles. Souls and their Saviour can 
reward me, and nothing else. 

Pa,] Philadelphia Conference— Eighty-four Appointments, 

Saturday, April 1. We came safe into the city of 
Philadelphia. I found letters from Savannah, Tom- 
bigbee, Mississippi, Ohio, and also from the eastward. 
Sabbath 2. At St. George's my subject was Haggai 
i, 7. I was fervent. On Monday we opened our 
conference in great peace and good order. I preached 
on Wednesday, and it was recollected that I had 
preached on the same subject, in the same place, in 
1 77 1. Friday we observed as a day of fasting and 
prayer. Both elders and deacons were ordained. 
There was some little difficulty with respect to oui 
money concerns, and some of the members had been 
rather warm partisans as politicians. This is always 
wrong for them, let them take which side they please. 



1809.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 551 

There was general satisfaction given as to the 
stations — about eighty-four in the whole. The Phila- 
delphia Conference has subjected itself to a demand 
for twelve preachers who Jiave no stations. Six of 
these are married, and there is a widows' maintenance 
to be added, making an expense of two thousand 
dollars. 
N. J.] New Jersey Methodism in 1809. 

Sunday ', 30. At Long Branch my subject was 
Acts iii, 26. It was given me to speak strong words 
— words of God, and from God. At three o'clock I 
preached in the Episcopal church at Shrewsbury. 

Monday, May 1. No appointment at Mount Pleas- 
ant. We came on to James Throckmorton's, and 
thence through Brunswick to Staten Island. We 
dined at Drake's, and supped at Elder Totten's. I 
have had great peace of mind, and have been greatly 
in the spirit of preaching, of faith, and of prayer. God 
has visited, and will yet powerfully visit Jersey. Prob- 
ably in the last five years five hundred souls have 
been converted. Glory to the great I AM ! He 
will bare the arm of his power, and save millions in 
the world. 

H. T.] One Hundred and Twenty Preachers in Conference. 

Monday, 8. I came to York, where I found letters 
bringing good news from the south and west. 

On the 10th our conference began, and continued 
until the 1 5 th. About one hundred and twenty preach- 
ers present. We had great peace and good order. 
We had an ordination of elders at John-street church 
on the Sabbath day. We had a great deal of faithful 
preaching. There were one hundred and fifteen 
preachers stationed, and there were few complaints. 



552 Character and Career of [1809. 

The Quakers are Offended. 
On Saturday I rode, through excessively warm 
weather, twenty miles to J. Sherwood's. On the 
Sabbath I preached at Sherwood's chapel ; afterward 
at New Rochelle chapel. We had an open season in 
both congregations. The Quakers are offended be- 
cause their errors in sentiment and practice are 
spoken against. But they have a higher dispensation. 
And will this authorize the violation of a positive law 
of the land which forbids unnecessary labor on the 
Sabbath day ? Will it justify the putting asunder 
what God has so solemnly joined together, to wit, the 
ordinances of God and the influences of his Holy 
Spirit ? So thought not the eunuch, when Philip, 
sent by the Holy Ghost, preached ttnto him Jesus. 
A higher dispensation ! And had not God already 
revealed his will before the appearance of George 
Fox ? But hush ! the respectable society of people 
called Quakers ; respectable ! Ah ! there is death in 
that word : " Woe unto you when all men shall speak 
well of you." I fear what is properly the reproach of 
Christ has long been wiped away from this respectable 
people. O Lord, save thy now despised Methodist 
. children from the praises of the people of the world ! 

OonnJ Want of Enterprise in Hew London. 

On Tuesday I came to Peck's, Stratford, a faithful 
friend, and thence on to Father Jocelin's, New Haven, 
weary and sleepy, and glad to rest. In the afternoon 
I preached at Jeremiah Miner's, in Killingworth ; 
thence crossing the Connecticut River, came into 
New London. I must needs preach in New London. 
I gave them a discourse on 1 John ii, 6. The house 



1809.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 553 

was soon filled, and many went away who could not 
get in. Surely the society, and preachers too, have 
been blind to their own interests, or they would have 
occupied every foot of ground ; but we have never 
taken advantage of circumstances as they offered in 
this place, and have lost by our negligence. 

E. I] Visit to Port Wolcott. 

Monday ', 29, I visited Captain Beall, at Fort Wol- 
cott. I preached to the soldiers on Isaiah lvii, 6, 7. 
Baptized some children ; visited the schools ; prayed 
with the sick in the hospital ; exhorted the poor 
sinners to turn to God. But, ah, I might have said 
and done more ! Here I saw discipline, order, cor- 
rectness. It was grand and pleasing. 

"Not Half Enough to Do." 

On Tuesday we came to the pleasant town of Bris- 
tol. The Methodists here have a house with pews, 
and a preacher who has not half enough to do ; poor 
work ! I gave them a discourse on 1 Cor. xv, 58. I 
have as much as I can bear in body and mind. I 
see what has been doing for nine years past to make 
Presbyterian Methodists. 

Mass,l Asbury in Boston Again. 

yune 4. We reached Boston on Saturday. I 
preached at the old chapel and administered the 
sacrament. In the afternoon I gave them a dis- 
course in the new chapel ; it was an open time of 
much feeling, and deep attention was paid to the 
speaker. 



554 Character and Career of [1809. 

Me.] Conference at Hew Gloucester. 

On Thursday we opened our conference, and sat 
closely to work. 

Sunday, 18. I preached to about three thousand 
deeply-attentive people from Isa. xliv, 23 ; it was an 
open season. We have eighty-two men to do the 
work, forty of whom compose the conference. I have 
to lament my want of information respecting both 
the preachers and the circuits. We have ordained 
twenty-one deacons and seven elders. We have 
located eleven elders, re-admitted one, and added 
seventeen preachers upon trial. There is a small 
increase here, and fair prospects for the future. 

N,HJ "0! the Eocks, Eoots, Pole-Bridges, and Mosquitoes!" 

On Tuesday we came away through New Glouces- 
ter to Bradley's. We rested a few minutes at Den- 
nett's, Standish Corner, and rode onward to Samuel 
Bachelor's, upon Saco, making forty miles for our 
day's journey. The rain overtook us at Brownfield 
on Thursday, but we continued on, and were most 
kindly entertained at Samuel Foss's in Conway. On 
Friday I forded Saco ; the rest of the company were 
in a boat. We hasted on to Rosebrook's, supped and 
went other six miles. O ! the rocks, roots, pole- 
bridges, and mosquitoes ! We fell asleep about ten 
o'clock, and sprung up at four o'clock, and were away 
without breakfast toward Bethel : we stopped here 
awhile. Winding down along a river bank, we came 
to the bridge and crossed the Connecticut into Ver- 
mont, stopping at the Widow Sias's in Johnsbury. 
On Satttrday morning we came away over awful 
roads, and made about forty weary miles to Danville. 



1809.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 555 

Vt.] Asbury Obliged to Sit while Preaching, 

Sunday ', 25. In the court-house I preached from 
John vii, 17. I could only speak sitting. From New- 
York to Danville we compute our ride to have been 
seven hundred miles ; we passed many a fertile hill, 
and saw many fruitful vales, through which flowed 
noble rivers. At Danville meeting-house, on Tuesday, 
We attended with two of our preachers ; I took a pew 
near the pulpit, and taught from thence on Heb. hi, 
12-14. The court was in session — the congregations 
were large nevertheless. I received a polite invita- 
tion to preach to the court, but I had no strength 
and no time for this. On Wednesday our route 
brought us through Marshfield, Plainfield, (exploring 
to the head of Onion River as we went,) to David 
I Parson's near Montpelier. I preached in the even- 
ing. In passing through Montpelier on Thursday we 
remarked their fine State House, worthy of the seat 
of government of Vermont ; to this the hotel is an 
appropriate appendage. Our way lay through Mid- 
dlesex, Waterbury, Richmond, on to Williston, 
where, about midday, a storm overtook us. On 
Friday I preached at Fuller's ; on Lake Champlain, 
from Titus hi, 7, 8. Here I ordained Joseph Samp- 
son, a native of Canada, and sent him a missionary 
to his countrymen. 

K TJ A New Bonte. 

Tuesday, yuly 5. We kept along down Burgoyne's 
road to Fort Edward. At four o'clock I preached in 
Doctor Lawrence's store to about five hundred attent- 
ive hearers. It has been serious times for some days 
past ; I feel the effect of riding thirty or forty miles a 



556 Character and Career of [ 1 809 

day, fasting long, and expected to preach every even- 
ing. Thursday brought us to Father Hart's, on Sara- 
toga Lake, to dinner. After refreshing we went 
out under a plentiful rain, and mounting our beasts 
directed our course away to General Clark's. Here I 
preached in the bar-room, and had life and liberty. 
We have made nine hundred miles since we left New 
York, as we compute. There will be an increase of 
eleven thousand this year. On Saturday I visited 
Ballston Springs buildings — approximating in ele- 
gance to those of Bath in England. The water has 
a taste of beer, of lemon juice, and of salt of tartar. 
A ride of about forty miles brought us to Kingsbury 
in the evening. 

"A Despised People Will Possess the Land." 

I rode to Doctor Holland's, Onondaga, on Satur- 
day, and preached in the court-house. 

Sunday, 16. Spoke in the court-house at eleven 
o'clock ; we had a full house. The New York and 
New England Presbyterians are laboring to monopo- 
lize this country by building meeting-houses and 
other establishments. They will flourish awhile, 
but a despised and dispersed people will possess the 
land. 

Pa.] Asbury Depressed, but Eejoices in God. 

Friday, 21. We were comfortable while resting at 
Dr. Hopkins's. Arrived at the ferry bank, no boat 
appeared, so I came back and called a meeting. God 
is with me, and souls are my reward. I may yet 
rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 



1809.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 557 

A Bishop Unable to Stand or KneeL 

Wednesday, August 2. At Shippensburg. I have 
been simple enough to put plasters too powerful to 
my knees — they are in blisters ; so here is a bishop 
who can neither stand to preach nor kneel to pray. 

Va.] Church Building in Virginia. 

Sabbath, 27. At Short Creek chapel my subject 
was 1 Thess. iv, 3. I contemplate two chapels, one of 
forty feet square and the other of fifty feet ; the first 
in Charleston, Alexander Wells to give the lot, and 
the other in Wheeling, the ground to be bestowed 
for its erection by Colonel Zane. 

Ohio.] Colonel Zane an Extraordinary Man. 

Wednesday, 30. While tugging forward crack went 
the breast-band, and crack went the shaft ; we were 
two hours in the night, and at last reached Spears's 
tavern. Next day (Thiers day) we made eighteen 
miles to Springfield, where I preached by appoint- 
ment ; we had about four hundred people. Brother 
Boehm preached at Zanesville, named after Colonel 
Zane, who so kindly entertained us at Wheeling ; he 
is a very extraordinary man, and the history of his life 
a strange one. 

Multiplicity of Camp-Meetings. 

Thursday, September 28. I stood up at Columbia, 
and gave them a talk on Matt, vii, 7-12 ; the heat 
was extreme. Fair Cincinnati brought us up. The 
house here is enlarged and the society has increased. 
Our Brother West is sick and cannot come to the 



558 Character and Career of [1809. 

conference ; many of our brethren will be absent. 
Muskingum district will have four camp-meetings. 
In Miami district seventeen camp-meetings in the 
year ; in Scioto circuit, four ; Hockhocking, two ; 
Deer Creek, two ; Mad River, three ; White Water 
two ; Cincinnati, two ; White, two. 

Sabbath, October 1. Brother Blackman preached at 
nine o'clock, Brother M'Kendree at twelve o'clock, 
and Brother Burke at three o'clock. There were, it 
is judged, three thousand souls on the ground. I 
may add, that the list may be complete, seventeen 
camp-meetings for Indiana district. 

Ky,] Western Conference— Statistics. 

My party came away to Carroll's. Next day we 
stopped with Captain John Sterne, from Stafford, 
old Virginia. At midnight I called up my fellow- 
travelers and set out, having an appointment at 
Mount Gerizim chapel. We arrived in time, and had 
an ordination, after which I gave an exhortation. 
Came in haste next day to Martin's meeting-house, 
where I discoursed on Psalm lxxxv, 1-9. We held a 
conciliatory conference with several of the local 
preachers on the subject of the ordination of local 
elders. On Friday Bishop M'Kendree preached and 
I also spoke, embracing various subjects in my ex- 
hortation. We moved early on Satzirday morning, 
breakfasting at Hoskett's, and crossed the Kentucky 
by fording. Kind John Bennett's brought us up 
for the evening. We have stationed about eighty 
traveling preachers, rejected fourteen, located nine. 
There is an increase of two thousand three hundred 
and sixty-six members in this Western Conference. 



1809.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 559 

We have in Mississippi fifteen traveling and eight 
local preachers, and three hundred and sixty mem- 
bers. If spared, and so directed, I shall see that 
country and Canada before I die. 

Tenn,] Pive Hundred Miles from Cincinnati. 

November 1. We reached Staunton Ferry. We 
suppose we have ridden five hundred and ten miles 
since we left Cincinnati ; what heights, what hills, 
what rocks ! Lord, thou preservest man and beast ! 
The disagreeable part of this western wandering is 
the necessity of stopping at night. Ah, how differ- 
ent are the taverns here from the houses of enter- 
tainment in the Atlantic States ! 

S. 0.] The Baptists Indebted to Methodist Gamp-Meetings. 

We rode into Aberville and stopped at George 
Connor's. Great news ! Great times in Georgia — 
rich and poor coming to Christ. At Connor's chapel 
I spoke, Thursday, on Rom. xii, 1, 2. After sermon 
I ordained John Stone a local deacon. In Edgefield 
the Baptists are carrying all before them ; they are 
indebted to Methodist camp-meetings for this. I 
preached on opening the new chapel on Luke xix, 9 ; 
we had an open time. The Methodists have great 
success in Camden district. Surely there must be 
some good done ; all are on fire, and I feel the flame. 
God is with preachers and people. 

N. 0.] Asbury Cares for the Various Interests of Methodism. 

Sabbath, January 7, 18 10. I preached in our en- 
larged house in the morning, and Bishop M'Kendree 
in the evening. We came rapidly next day forty-five 



560 Character and Career of [1809. 

miles to the Widow Anderson's. At Wilmington I 
spoke in the new chapel on Wednesday. I find the 
work of God is going on here. We are well in tem- 
porals, and a most correct account has been furnished 
us of all expenditures. I met the African elders, 
and gave command concerning the parsonage, the 
painting of the new fences, and the alteration and 
increase of the benches in the chapel. I recom- 
mended the purchase of a grave-yard, and gave a 
special charge concerning the poor. O let me ever 
remember these ! A general fast day for the African 
Churches was appointed. Thursday we rode forty- 
two miles to George Shepperd's. On Friday we 
stopped at Lot Ballard's for refreshment and prayer, 
and fled away to Adonijah Penn's. We were an hour 
in the night. We reached Newbern on Saturday 
evening. Erasmus Hill may possibly sell the Gospel 
for a rich wife, as three or four others have done. 
Should I say here, And thou, Francis, take heed ? 
Not of this sin. 

VaJ Brother Boehm— Conference at Petersburg. 

Sabbath, February 4. The day is serene, and so is 
my soul. I preached at my host's and at Wright 
Ellis's. Here were great times thirty years ago ; 
many are fallen asleep, and the children forget God. 
I called twice at Blackwater church ; shivering, eat- 
ing a morsel, and praying. Our people preach there 
with success, and an encouraging society is formed. 
On Monday we wrought our solitary way through 
the woods to Allen's bridge. The Widow Penning- 
ton received us : her husband is dead ; she is sick ; 
her children irreligious. O misery ! O mercy ! We 



1809.] Bishop As bury Illustrated. 561 

went on to James Roger's, where I gave them a dis- 
course and spoke as if a thousand had been present. 
We have passed like a mail through South and North 
Carolina. I solemnly sympathize with my dear 
Brother Boehm ; he has suffered greatly in his jour- 
ney — an awful cough and fevers. Lord, what is life ! 
Here is William Greaves almost gone at fifty-five ; 
Robert Jones, a helpless man at seventy-two, sunk to 
second childhood : God is with him. A fasting, 
weary ride, brought us to Petersburg. Our confer- 
ence began on Thursday, and rose on the following 
Thursday, We had, Friday, ordination, and preach- 
ing in abundance. I gave an answer to an important 
question ; it was, Whether the Bishops had a right 
to form the eighth, or Genesee Conference ? as also 
gave an answer to the Virginia Conference. At mid- 
day we started for Richmond, and arrived after a six 
hours' ride, without stopping. We stopped on our 
route next day at Caroline court-house. A rapid 
ride through cold and snow brought us to Fredericks- 
burg, forty miles. 

Md.] Statistics of West Maryland. 

Thursday, March 1. In West Maryland we have 
nine circuits, five stations, twenty-five preachers, one 
hundred chapels, eleven thousand six hundred and 
twenty-two members, and perhaps one hundred local 
preachers. 

At Baltimore Conference 

On Monday we rode fourteen miles through damps 

and thick woods to Samuel M'Cubbin's. Ttcesday 

morning, sick and suffering, I rode sixteen miles and 

filled an appointment at Bicknell's chapel. I hasted 

36 



562 Character and Career of [1810. 

on to Baltimore on Wednesday. I was scarcely able 
to sit in conference on Friday. Saticrday, busy. 

Sunday, 11. Bishop M'Kendree preached. We 
had an ordination. I spoke by way of exhortation. 
Saturday, the conference went forward with order 
and dispatch, and rose at ten o'clock this morning. 
I rode to Perry Hall. 

Del.] Statistics— The Peninsula in 1810. 

Sunday, 25. At Smyrna my subject was 2 Chron. 
xxxii, 25, 26. It was an open time. G. Pickering 
spoke after me. We collected liberally for Boston 
chapel. The Africans were serious and attentive in 
the afternoon while I was speaking to them. On 
Monday I preached at Dover chapel, and next day at 
Green's chapel, Most of my old friends in this 
quarter have fallen asleep, but their children are gen- 
erally with me, and the three generations baptized. 
We hold in the peninsula, comprising the eastern 
shore of Virginia and Maryland, and the State of 
Delaware, about one hundred houses of God ; twenty- 
two thousand nine hundred and thirty-five members ; 
preachers, traveling and local, two hundred and thirty- 
eight. 

Va,] Asbury Must Preach. 

Wednesday, April 11. I preached at Newtown. 
We were crowded. This is a flourishing little place, 
and we have a beautiful little chapel. We came on, 
and once more visited Samuel Smith. I found him 
calm and happy in God after strong temptations. I 
preached at Curtis's chapel to a crowded and attentive 
house. There is a great change for the better in the 
morals and manners of all ranks of people in this end 



1810.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 563 

of the peninsula, and none pretend to deny that the 
Methodists have wrought it. I rode down to Francis 
Watters's, in Potato Neck. They keep me busy. I 
must preach ; I am senior ; have been long absent ; 
some never expected to hear me again ; possibly, I 
may never come again. I am reminded that such 
and such I dandled on my lap. The rich, too, thirty 
years ago, would not let me approach them ; now I 
must visit them and preach to them. 

Md.] Philadelphia Conference at Easton. 

Sabbath, 15. At Salisbury I preached at Quantico 
chapel. We held an ordination after sacrament. I 
met the society, and afterward gave a long exhorta- 
tion to the Africans. Tuesday I gave them a dis- 
course in Cambridge. On Thursday we opened the 
Philadelphia Conference at Easton, and went with 
dispatch and great harmony through our usual work. 
We had preaching as usual, and a camp-meeting in 
the neighborhood. The stations were read off with 
much solemnity, and we parted in peace. What a 
grand and gracious time we have had ! How kind 
and affectionate the people ! There have been some 
serious changes of my making. May I please the 
Lord and all men to edification ! We have added 
nine preachers, located nine, and stationed seventy- 
four. 

Pa.] Some Displeased with Their Stations, 

Saturday, May 5. We came into Philadelphia late. 
Sabbath, preached, and we had an open time. There 
are difficulties here. Some displeased with their 
stations. 



5 64 Character and Career of [ 1 8 1 0. 

K*. J,] " Twelve per Cent. Interest on Loans." 

I came on to Burlington on Monday and preached 
for them. Tuesday, gave a discourse at Brunswick 
in the court-house. Wednesday, spoke in the chapel, 
Rahway. Lord, what am I ? Save me from faint- 
ing under my burden ! As we came out on Thurs- 
day a man overtook us, halted G. P., to tell him he 
ought to have preached against the iniquity of taking 
twelve per cent, interest on loans. 

B", T.] Old John-street Must Come Down. 

We are in New York. Friday, great times here ; 
two new houses within the year. I preached at old 
John-street. This is the thirty-ninth year I have 
officiated within the walls. This house must come 
down, and something larger and better occupy its 
place. Saturday, at the Widow Sherwood's, I saw 
William Blagburne, a member of the British Confer- 
ence twenty-five years, and well recommended by 
Doctor Coke and others. 

Through Dover and Amenia to Egremont. 

Sabbath, 13. At the White Plains we had a cold, 
cloudy day, but I had divine help while I commented 
on Heb. vi, 9, 10 ; I added a word of special exhorta- 
tion to the Africans. At N. Purdy's I was greatly 
comforted in feeling the life in the members of the 
little society. The preachers have preserved order 
and discipline, but the fire has been kept up princi- 
pally by others of less official importance. Tuesday, 
a long, cold, hilly, rough ride brought us by the 
Widow Sandford's to Prince Howe's. We had a 
crowded congregation. I dined with Brother Neice, 



1 8 io.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 565 

Dover, and preached at Amenia. A heavy ride on 
Thursday brought us to E. King's, Egremont. 



3.] Missionaries Sent to Michigan. 

Sabbathy 20. I opened our solemn assembly at 
half past ten o'clock on Phil, iii, 17-21. There was 
great heaviness in the congregation. We sat in con- 
ference until Saturday. Among the ordinations was 
that of Stephen Bamford, recommended from Nova 
Scotia, for elder's orders. We have stationed eighty- 
four preachers, sent two missionaries — one to Mich- 
igan and one to Detroit. There was a considerable 
deficiency in our funds, which left the unmarried 
preachers a very small pittance. 

N. HJ Conference and Camp-Meeting United 

Sunday, June 3. I officiated in the morning, and 
Henry Boehm in the evening. I think my words 
pierced the hearts of some like a sword. I neither 
spared myself nor my hearers. On Wednesday we 
opened our conference in the Presbyterian church. 
We had appointed a camp-meeting within three 
miles, where there was preaching three times a day. 
Although among strangers, we were kindly enter- 
tained. And shall not our prayers be heard on be- 
half of these people ? yea, verily ; and Methodism 
shall raise Zion from the dust. 

Mass.] Asbury Appeals to Southern Methodism in Aid of Boston, 

We came away over bleak rocks and hills, through 
Fitzwilliam to Winchester. I preached in a new, 
neat Methodist chapel of our own building. Next 
day to Waltham, and the day after to Boston. 



566 Character and Career of [1810. 

Sunday, 17. I spoke in the old chapel in the morn- 
ing with freedom ; in the evening at the new chapel 
with less liberty, but there was manifest power in the 
word. On Monday I wrote five letters of supplication 
to our brethren in Baltimore, Georgetown, Alexan- 
dria, Norfolk, and Charleston for a congregational 
collection for the use of the new chapel here.. Our 
preachers get wives and a home, and run to their 
dears almost every night. How can they by personal 
observation know the state of the families it is part 
of their duty to watch over for good ? 

Jesse Lee's History— A Correction. 

Tuesday Evening, 26. I have seen Jesse Lee's his- 
tory for the first time ; it is better than I expected. 
He has not always presented me under the most 
favorable aspect. We are all liable to mistakes, and 
I am unmoved by his. I correct him in one fact. 
My compelled seclusion in the beginning of the war, 
in the State of Delaware, was in nowise a season of 
inactivity ; on the contrary, except about two months 
of retirement from the direst necessity, it was the 
most active, the most useful, and most afflictive part 
of my live. If I spent a few dumb Sabbaths — if I 
did not, for a short time, steal after dark, or through 
the gloom of the woods, as was my wont, from house 
to house to enforce that truth, I (an only child) had 
left father and mother and crossed the ocean to pro- 
claim — I shall not be blamed, I hope, when it is known 
that my patron, good and respectable Thomas White, 
who promised me security and secrecy, was himself 
taken into custody by the light-horse patrol. If such 
things happened to him what might I expect? 



1 8 io.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated, 567 

Oonn.] "Who Shall Eeform the Keformers?" 

I gave them a sermon at New London, and many- 
attended at a short notice. I preached at Burling- 
ton. It was what is called close cutting. There is 
some life here. Lodged with Brother West, once a 
great Seventh-day Baptist. I gave them a sermon 
at Goshen on Ttiesday. Preached next evening at 
Amenia. They want a house ; I gave them a plan. 
Friday, preached at Row's chapel. A ride of twelve 
miles further brought us to Brother Garrettson's. 
The ride since we left New York I presume to be six 
hundred miles. Our case in Zion makes me feel 
awful. Who shall reform the reformers ? Ah, poor 
dead Methodists ! I have seen preachers' children 
wearing gold — brought up in pride. Ah, mercy, 
mercy ! 

N. T.] Conference Invalids Curable. 

Sabbath, July 15. I preached in Silas Blass's barn. 
Wednesday, I arrived at Daniel Dorsey's. Friday, 
our conference began. 

Sabbath, 22. Preached at the encampment. Wed- 
nesday, conference ended — great order and dispatch 
in business — stationed sixty-three preachers. Satur- 
day, we must needs come the Northumberland road. 
It is through an awful wilderness. If the cry of 
want of order came from God, the appointment of the 
Genesee Conference was one of the most judicious 
acts of our episcopacy. We stationed sixty-three 
preachers, and cured some till then incurable cases. 
In the last three days and a half we have ridden one 
hundred and forty miles. What mountains, hills, 



568 Character and Career of [1810. 

rocks, roots, and ruts ! Brother Boehm was thrown . 
from the sulky, but providentially not a bone broken. 

Pa.] A Heavy Week's Work. 

Sabbath, August 5. Preached in Lancaster morning 
and evening. After forty years' labor we have a neat 
little chapel of our own. Monday, away for Columbia, 
and preached there at twelve o'clock. Came on to 
Little York, and arrived at seven o'clock in the even- 
ing. Tuesday morning, rose at four o'clock, and after 
writing four letters started away, calling on friends 
Naylor and Wall, stopping for the night at friend 
Weaver's. Reached Carlisle on Wednesday ; preached 
in the evening. I drew a plan for a new chapel, sev- 
enty by forty-five, of one story ; the cost about two 
thousand dollars. Shall I be able to answer the 
twenty letters that have met me here ? A letter 
which I saw, written by one of our preachers, says he 
has twenty-eight appointments to fill in twenty-five 
days, besides meeting one thousand seven hundred 
in classes ; it was from Allen Green. Thursday. A 
very warm ride brought us to Shippensburg. Lodged 
with Brother Reid. Preached in our improved chapel. 
Friday. Came to Chambersburg. I preached in the 
court-house, though we have a neat little chapel. 
Saturday, we had a heavy ride over three mountains. 

OMo,] An Interview with Kevolutionary Officers, 

Sunday, September 9. I preached at the camp twice. 
Souls were converted, and we hope much good was 
done. We ordained John Holmes an elder. Monday, 
came away. At B. Wolf's we gave them Dutch and 
English sermons. Tuesday, preached at the Point 
Woods court-house, to a large congregation. On 



1 8 io.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 569 

Wednesday I preached in a school-house on a bluff 
opposite Blennerhassett's Island. Colonel Putnam, 
son of the renowned general of that name, invited 
me to the house of Waldo, grandson of the old chief; 
I had a very interesting interview with several revo- 
lutionary officers, immigrants to this country, from 
good old Massachusetts. . Tlmrsday, we took our de- 
parture from the banks of the beautiful river, (the 
Ohio,) beautiful indeed ! How rich the hanging 
scenery of its wood-crowned hills ! 

KyJ Faithful Ministers— Good News— Statistics. 

Sunday y October 28. I spoke at Ferguson's chapel 
for an hour. We have an open door set wide to us 
in Mississippi ; the preachers there sent but one 
messenger to conference — they could not spare more ; 
they keep their ground like soldiers of Christ, and 
men of God who care for the cause and work of the 
Lord. Good news from the South — great prospects 
w T ithin the bounds of the South Carolina Conference. 

Thursday ', November 1. Began conference in great 
peace and good order. Conference progressed well ; 
there were twenty-six admitted. 

Sabbath, 4. There were elders and deacons or- 
dained. We have minuted ninety-five as stationed. 
There is an increase of four thousand members within 
the bounds of this conference. I have sold my sulky 
and purchased a horse, that I may more easily wind 
my way through the wilderness to Georgia. ' 

A Sight of the Slaves Prevents Complaining. 

Sabbath, 25, I preached at Winton's in the even- 
ing. We have hard labor and suffering ; but I dare 
not complain when I see the wretched fate of the 



570 Character and Career of [1810. 

poor Africans in slavery. We pass along so rapidly 
that we have only time to pray in the houses we 
visit ; this we have done, except in one case. 

N. 0.] Old Friends are Departing. 

Sabbath, December 9. At Winnsborough I preached 
to a few people. We have a pretty chapel here ; John 
Buchanan and Jesse Harris are chiefs in this work. 
On Monday we came to J. Jenkin's ; after six years' 
rest and local usefulness he means to travel again. 
I have received news from the North which makes 
me solemn — my old friends, Jesse Hollingsworth and 
Peter Hoffman, are no more in time. And John 
Bloodgood has also gone to his reward. Sinclair 
Capers, one of our first disciples at Whappitau, died 
in great triumph ; the impression occasioned by wit- 
nessing this was the cause of conversion to some 
persons present. I hope his son James will be a 
great and holy preacher. 

S. 0.] Conference Held n a Senator's House. 

Sabbath, 16. I knew not if I could get to the new 
house ; I went and was helped of the Lord. The 
house was filled, and I spoke plainly. Tuesday, though 
ill able to ride, I set out for Camden. Wednesday, 
reading, writing, and praying with those who visit 
me. Thursday, came to Columbia. Taylor, of the 
Senate of the United States, lent his house for the 
session of our conference. We have pleasing letters 
from York, Genesee, Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, old 
North and South Carolinas — rich and poor coming to 
God. Saturday, our conference began in great order 
peace, and love. 



1 8 10.] Bishop Asbmy Illustrated. 571 

Sabbath, 23. I preached, and the truth exhibited 
its own divine authority. Bishop M'Kendree spoke 
in the afternoon. Friday, I was called upon to preach 
at the ordination of elders. Conference adjourned 
this evening. We have stationed about eighty preach- 
ers. Saturday, came away to General Rumph's. 
God has repaid this family for its kindness to the 
poor followers of the Lord Jesus. There are four 
sons and three daughters ; gracious souls. Two of 
the sons, Jacob and Christian, are preachers of the 
Gospel. 

N. 0,] Conference at Kaleigh. 

Tuesday , February 5, 181 1. We came into Raleigh. 
Wednesday, I enjoyed some very agreeable interviews 
with my brethren. TJiursday. Conference begins this 
morning. 

Sabbath, 10. I preached in the State-house to two 
thousand souls, I presume. We have had, and mean 
to have, while conference is in session, preaching three 
times a day. Meeting sometimes holds till midnight. 

Md.] "0 the Clover of Baltimore Circuit." 

Friday, March 15. Came through heavy dews to 
Aquila Garrettson's ; halted awhile, and proceeded 
forward to Providence chapel, where I preached. We 
dined with friendly Mr. Stockdale, and came on to 
our Brother M'Elfresh's, Reistertown. O the clover 
of Baltimore circuit ! Ease, ease ! not for me. We 
called at Ellis Jones's, ancient Methodists ; from 
thence we bent our course over to Charles Carnan's. 
Here I heard the mournful news of the death of Polly 
Yellott — gone after her father to paradise. 



572 Character and Career of [1811. 

Eight Young Preachers Kecently Married. 

Sabbath, 17. At the chapel I found preachers in 
abundance, and a larger congregation than I had ex- 
pected. As it was an appointment for me, I had the 
labor to perform. How hardly shall preachers who 
are well provided for maintain the spirit of religion ! 
But here are eight young men lately married : these 
will call for four hundred dollars per annum addi- 
tional — so we go. 

Pa.] Doctors Kush and Physic Visit Asbury. 

Sabbath, 21. I preached at Ebenezer and in St. 
George's chapel. 

Monday, 29. Our conference adjourned. There 
were no complaints, nor grounds for any. There was 
preaching, as usual, to large congregations, and there 
were manifestations of the power of God, especially 
at St. George's. 

Wednesday ', May 1. I preached at German town. 
Doctors Rush and Physic paid me a visit. How 
consoling it is to know that these great characters 
are men fearing God ! I was much gratified, aye, I 
ever am by their attentions, kindness, and charming 
conversation ; indeed they have been of eminent 
use to me, and I acknowledge their services with 
gratitude. 

U. J,] Limited Success in Mew Jersey. 

Thursday, 9. We came to Asbury, and I preached 
and added a special exhortation. Were it not for the 
brewing and drinking miserable whisky, Asburytown 
would be a pleasant place. Friday, to James Egbert's. 
Bethel chapel has been bought and refitted for the 



i8ii.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 573 

Methodists. I preached in it. I am unknown in 
New Jersey, and ever shall be I presume. After 
forty years' labor we have not yet ten thousand in 
membership. 

N. T.] Conference in New York— George Suckley. 

Tuesday, 28. Conference ceased their labors. There 
was little trouble in the business of appointments : 
stationed eighty-seven, superannuated two, and super- 
numeraries five ; increase about three hundred. 
There were three preachers sent to other conferences. 
The society in New York has increased ; our chapels 
are neat, and their debt is not heavy. They wish to 
rebuild John-street church, and to build a small 
house at the Two-Mile Stone. I preached at the 
Two-Mile' Stone, and retired to George Suckley's. 

Opposite Views of Adam Clarke and Asbury. 

Monday, 10. I read Adam Clarke, and am amused 
as well as instructed. He indirectly unchristianizes all 
old bachelors. Woe is me! It was not good that 
Adam should be alone for better reasons than any 
that Adam Clarke has given. How will our com- 
mentator comment on 1 Corinthians vii, 7, 8, 17, 27, 
32, 34 ? and will he not need great skill to manage 
well for his purpose Matthew xix, 12? It may be the 
indispensable duty of some men and women to marry ; 
the necessity, or the peculiarity of circumstances 
which would impose this as a duty, or only allow it 
as an indulgence, who is to judge of? the parties 
themselves ? Could they be out- of the body awhile, 
we might allow them to be umpires in their own cases. 
Thursday, Pittsfield. We have ridden two hundred 



574 Character and Career of [1811. 

miles since we left New York, and have preached 
every day, and the preachers there are hardly start- 
ing to their stations ; but they have zvives. 

VtJ How the Preachers Accepted their Appointments. 

Wednesday, June 19. A heavy ride of twenty miles 
brought us to Barnard's. Here have been many loca- 
tions and serious failures of duty. We began our 
conference on Thursday ; worked with great expedi- 
tion, and finished in four days and a half. There was 
a general fast on Friday, and deacons ordained. On 
the Sabbath I preached to about three thousand peo- 
ple — some of them were wild enough. On Monday 
I ordained the elders. George Pickering preached. 
We disposed of eighty-seven preachers, and each 
man took his station at once and without hesitancy, 
like a man of God. Tuesday we came away, as con- 
ference broke up at twelve o'clock. At one o'clock 
many of those hardy soldiers of the Lord Jesus were 
already to horse, and their faces set to the wilds, or 
wherever else their duty called them. On Wednes- 
day, we crossed the grand mountain, and came into 
Middlebury. Here is college-craft and priest-craft. 
We have a respectable little society of about twenty 
members, but no chapel. I preached in the court- 
house. I have moved a subscription to build a house 
sixty-four by forty-four feet on the lot fronting the 
college. 

N. Y.l Asbury's Horse Sinks in Mud and Water. 

Monday, Jirty 1. Breakfasted with William Mitchell 
and dined with Henrick Johnson. We have made 
forty-two miles through open woods and over des- 



i8ii.] Bishop Asbicry Illustrated. 575 

perate roads. Tuesday, dined at French Mills. Heat, 
heat ! At the Indian village I led my horse across 
the pole-bridge ; careful as I was, he got his feet in 
an opening and sunk into mud and water ; away 
went the bags — books and clothes wet — and the 
horse yet fast. We pried with a pole, and he, by 
making a desperate effort at the same time, plunged 
forward, and came out. The mosquitoes were not 
idle while we were busy. 

Canada,] Asbury in Canada— Old Friends, 

At eight o'clock w T e set sail, and crossed the St. 
Law r rence by rowing ; the river here is three miles 
wide. We rode through Cornwall in the night, and 
came to Evan Roy's, making forty-four miles for the 
day's journey. My strong affection for the people 
of the United States came with strange power upon 
me while I was crossing the line. Tuesday, I preached, 
and again on Wednesday. We rode along the banks 
of the river ; they are neatly and pleasantly improved. 
We dined with Stephen Bailey, and went from thence 
with Brother Glassford in his calash. Thursday. On 
the opposite shore they are firing for the fourth of 
July. I pass the pageantry of the day unheeded on 
the other side. Here is a decent, loving people ; my 
soul is much united to them. I called upon Father 
Dulmage, and on Brother Hicks — a branch of an old 
Irish stock of Methodists in New York. I lodged 
at David Brackenridge's, above Johnston. Saturday, 
we rode twelve miles for our breakfast. Reached 
Elizabethtown. Our ride has brought us through 
one of the finest countries I have ever seen : the tim- 
ber is of a noble size, the cattle are well-shaped and 



576 Character and Career of [1811. 

well-looking, the crops are abundant, on a most fruit- 
ful soil. Surely this is a land that God the Lord hath 
blessed. 

"Well, I have Been in Canada." 
Monday, 15. We must away, and leave good houses, 
grand Roman Catholic Church, Episcopal church, 
and Kingston, with its garrison and great guns. We 
might go by land, cross three ferries, and travel des- 
perate roads, or we might take the packet for Sackett's 
Harbor. We chose the latter. Well, I have been in 
Canada, and find it like all stations in the extrem- 
ities : there are difficulties to overcome and pros- 
pects to cheer us. Some of our laborers have not 
been so faithful and diligent as we could wish. 

Saturday \ 20. We opened the Genesee Conference. 
We passed thirty-eight characters. 

N. T.] A Discovery by Wise Men, 

Sunday, 21. I preached in the woods at ten o'clock, 
and again at two o'clock. There might be two thou- 
sand people, who were very attentive. It is said the 
wise men in York Conference have discovered that it 
will be far better to elect the presiding elders in con- 
ference, and give them the power of stationing the 
preachers. I suppose we shall hear more of this. 

Friday, 26. Conference rose. All went on at fair 
sitting smoothly. The elections came on, and there 
was some disposition manifested to reject the Cana- 
dians and presiding elders. The stations were re- 
ceived in great peace. We have about forty most 
pleasing young men. There are six hundred and 
sixty-three on the present minutes. If the preach- 
ers take any specific power, right, or privilege from 



1 8 1 1 .] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 5 77 

the bishops which the General Conference may have 
given them, it is clear that they dissolve the whole 
contract. 

A. Bishop's Salary. 

Attgust 3. The eight conferences have furnished 
us with twenty-five dollars each, making two hundred 
dollars. Our expenses hitherto are one hundred and 
thirty dollars. 

Pad Asbury Sick, but Away to the Camp-Meeting. 

Sabbath, II. I preached in Boehm's chapel. There 
is a camp-meeting thirty miles distant from hence, 
but I cannot be there. I have the will, but I want 
time and strength. Wednesday. They will have me 
away to camp-meeting. John Boehm will take me 
and bring me back in the carriage. Thursday, I 
preached to about two thousand souls. At three 
o'clock I preached at Strasburg, and returned again 

to Father Boehm's. 

» 

Ohio.] Conference at Cincinnati. 

Saturday, September 28. Came to Cincinnati. 

Sunday, 29. I preached and ordained. We have 
been five days sitting in conference. There has 
been weighty and critical business before us, but we 
wrought with industry and good order. 

Sunday, October 6. I preached ; Bishop M'Kendree 
preached, as did others, and our labor has not been 
in vain. Friday, after a session of ten days, our 
Western Conference rose. I had little trouble about 
the stations — I heard of no complaints. There were 
one hundred and two preachers, one hundred of 
whom are stationed. We lack twenty-two. 

37 



578 Character and Career of [1811. 

Ky.] "Perfect Through Sufferings." 

Sunday, 20. We found the Cumberland rising. We 
rode twenty-five miles to White's, and rested. Mon- 
day, to Cheek's. Tuesday, to Conway's. It is hard 
labor, but God is with us. Wednesday, to Louisville. 
Thursday, we started at seven o'clock, and came in 
at seven o'clock in the evening, and have made no 
great headway. My afflictions of body are very great 
— the Lord is pleased to humble me : petfect through 
sufferings ! the Lord's will be done ! Thursday, I 
preached at Louisville ; it was a liberal season : glory 
be to God for that ! Friday, a heavy ride to Waynes- 
borough ; stopped at Colonel Milton's. It is as warm 
as July. Saturday, after preaching in the old church 
I retired to the house of the late Henry Moore. 
Wrote a very serious letter to Samuel Dunwoody, on 
his taking the charge of the Mississippi district. 
What a field is opened, and opening daily in this 
New World ! 

6a,] "Great Snethen is Chaplain to Congress." 

Tuesday, November 19. I am something easier to- 
day. I employ my dumb Sabbath and my leisure 
time as well as I can, and as pain will allow. I have 
dispatched eleven official letters. Hilliard Judge is 
chosen chaplain to the legislature of South Carolina ; 
and O, great Snethen is chaplain to Congress ! So 
we begin to partake of the honor that cometh from 
man ; now is our time of danger. 

S. 0.] Conference at Camden. 

Friday, 29, at Camden, to preside in conference. 

Wednesday, December 4. I preached before the con- 
ference. 



181 1.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 579 

Friday, 6. Our conference rose this day. Scarcely 
have I seen such harmony and love. There are 
eighty-five preachers stationed. The increase with- 
in its bounds is three thousand three hundred and 
eighty. I received letters from the extremities and 
the center of our vast continent, all pleasing, all 
encouraging. 

U. 0,] "This Life is Hot Eternal." 

Sabbath, February 2,1812. At Tarborough I preached 
to a serious, attentive congregation. I preached in 
the afternoon also at Brother Hall's. Monday, I break- 
fasted with Mr. Austin, an English Baptist ; my 
business with him was to charge him most solemnly 
to hold a perpetual prayer-meeting every Wednesday 
evening in his house. We have made seven hundred 
miles since we left Camden, through frost, floods, 
cold, and hunger ; poor men, and poor horses ! Well, 
this life is not eternal. 

Va.] Asbury Charged with Ordaining a Slave. 

Sabbath, 16. I rode about a mile and gave a ser- 
mon. My breast is sore, and my heart is in pain for 
Petersburg. Mo?iday, I visited my ancient friends 
Wood, Tucker and wife. 

Our conference began on Thursday. The affair 
of James Boyd and Henry Hardy detained us two 
days from other business. We shall not station more 
than seventy-five preachers this year — a less number 
than last. A charge had been brought against me 
for ordaining a slave ; but there was no further pur- 
suit of the case when it was discovered that I was 
ready with my certificates to prove his freedom ; the 
subject of contention was nearly white, and his re- 



580 Character and Career of [181 2. 

spectable father would neither own nor manumit him. 
Old Virginia, because of the great emigrations west- 
ward and deaths, decreases in the number she-gives 
to the Methodists ; but new Virginia gains. Doctor 
Jennings was at conference, and preached often for 
us, and was much followed. We had little or no 
trouble about the stations, and conference rose on 
Thursday. 

Porty Miles to Breakfast, 

Sabbath, March 1. It blew a cutting wind at north- 
east, as we made our way toward Ropers chapel, 
thirty miles distant. I preached some awful truths. 
Monday, I passed a night of great suffering. We 
came off this morning to James City, and preached 
in the chapel to many people— we had an evening 
meeting. Lodged at John Taylors. Tuesday, we 
came to Williamsburg, where I preached with a full 
mind, but failing voice. Wednesday, we rode near 
forty miles to breakfast with an English family, the 
Whitefields, and went forward to lodge with George 
Hope, a ship-builder from Whitehaven. 

A Happy, Loving Conference. 

Wednesday, 18. We labored along to Leesburg, 
stemming the cold and boisterous north-west. Fri- 
day and Saturday were spent in happy, loving con- 
ference. My task it was to ordain sixteen deacons. 
I preached, so also did Brother M'Kendree. I had 
declined ordaining elders, not wishing to preach the 
sermon ; but I officiated, and N. Snethen preached. 
We have had a solemn, loving, peaceful conference. 



i8i2.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 581 

Md.] Death of Martin Boehm, 

Wednesday, April 1. I preached at Joshua Tip- 
ton's ; this is an ancient friend whom I had not visited 
for eight years. Boehm preached in German. Thurs- 
day, dined near Union chapel at Mr. Matthews's, and 
went forward to Meredith's. Friday, a cold, disagree- 
able ride brought us across the country to Samuel 
Benkley's ; here I received the first intelligence of 
the death of my dear old friend Martin Boehm. 

Pa,] Philadelphia Conference. 

Wednesday, 15. Came to the city of Philadelphia. 
We opened our conference in great peace on Satur- 
day. 

Sabbath, 19. Preached in St. George's in the morn- 
ing, and at St. Thomas's in the evening. We had a 
solemn time at the ordination of deacons on Wednes- 
day. I preached at Union Chapel on Friday. 

Sabbath, 26. I gave them a sermon at Ebenezer in 
the forenoon, met the society at Union, and ordained, 
as deacons, Joseph Ingles and John George, vener- 
able and pious men. On Thursday all the honors of 
officiating at the ordinations fell upon me, Bishop 
M'Kendree being sick. I closed the conference on 
Monday morning. 

H. Y] General Conference of 1812. 

Friday, May 1. Our General Conference began. 
During the session I saw nothing like unkindness 
but once, and there were many and weighty affairs 
discussed. 

Sabbath, 10. At the African church in the morn- 
ing. I preached also at the Hudson chapel ; it was 



582 Character and Career of [1812. 

an awful time. A subject before the conference was 
the question, If local deacons, after four years of pro- 
bation, should be elected to the eldership by two 
thirds of the conference, having no slaves, and having 
them, to manumit them where the laws allowed it. 
It passed by a majority. On Saturday, a motion was 
made to strengthen the episcopacy by adding another 
bishop. 

Sabbath, 17. I preached in Brooklyn in our elegant 
house. After a serious struggle of two days in Gen- 
eral Conference to change the mode of appointing 
presiding elders, it remains as it was. Lee, Shinn, 
and Snethen, were of a side ; and these are great 
men. 

Honorable Mention of Sister Seney. 

At the Two-Mile Stone my subject was 1 Peter 
iv, 6-9. I preached also at Greenwich, and at John- 
street chapel. On Ttcesday I breakfasted with Colonel 
Few. Some good widows collected above two hun- 
dred dollars for the poor preachers in New England 
States. Sister Seney I must make honorable men- 
tion of as being very active in this labor of love. 

Conference at Albany. 

Monday, June 1. We halted awhile at Esopus. 
Dined at the Widow Scott's. On Tuesday we rode 
through the heat, thirty-four miles, to Coeyman's 
Landing, and preached at six o'clock. A cold ride 
brought us to Albany. The Dutch Synod and the 
Methodist Conference are about to sit here. From 
the fourth to the tenth we have been occupied in 
close conference. 

Sabbath, 7. I preached in an old house, and we 



i8i2.] Bishop As bury Illustrated. 583 

had a gracious season. I gave a solemn exhortation 
on the spot designated for our new church. The 
situation is very eligible. Wednesday, conference 
ended its labors. 

Conn.] Through Connecticut. 

Sabbath, 14. I preached at Glastonbury, and met 
the society. Monday, at Hebron we visited three 
families, and were kindly received by Doctor Hunt- 
ington, with whom we lodged in Windham. Tuesday, 
we dined in Abingdon, and lectured to a few people 
in the evening at John Nichols's. Wednesday, a ride 
of thirty miles brought us to Father Ball's, where we 
lodged. Thursday, we dined at Stone's tavern in 
Farmington. They had nearly been as wild as 
Indians when we prayed. I have felt sick enough to 
be in bed. We came to Lynn. I come through 
great tribulation. 

Mass,] Conference at Lynn— Proclamation of War. 

Saturday, 20. Our conference began and progressed 
in much peace and order. Thursday, I gave preach- 
ers and people a sermon. 

Sabbath, 21. I preached. The chapel, saving the 
pews and the steeple, is beautiful. We had an ordi- 
nation. The proclamation of the President of the 
United States is out to inform us that there is war 
between our people and the English people. My 
trust is in the living God. 

U. Y.] Conference at Lyons, 

Sabbath, yuly 12. We hold our conference in 
Lyons. Brother M'Kendree preached in the morn- 
ing, and I gave a discourse in the evening at West- 
moreland. We went forward to David Coe's, where 



584 Character and Career of l 1 ^ 12 - 

I preached at night. My host had entertained me at 
Middlefield, Connecticut, twenty-two years ago. My 
mind enters deeply into God, his providence and 
grace. Consequential W. B. Lacy is married ; and 
why not ? He has left us ; and why not ? Between 
Albany and Lynn and Boston we have spent thirty 
dollars and fifty-six cents, a few cents more than the 
conference furnished for our expenses. 

Sweet Eevenge, 
Tuesday, 14. A long ride through Manlius brought 
us into the Widow Hocox's neat house. We dined 
at Hommerman's, in Auburn, on Wednesday, and 
lodged with Eddy, Scipio. On our way we were 
mocked by some men in a harvest-field. This is 
their glory of wickedness. Ours is that the offense 
of the cross hath not yet ceased. My revenge was 
prayer that God might convert and save them for 
Christ's sake. 

Pa.] Whisky the Prime Curse of the United States, 

Wednesday, Attgust 5. We came along down the 
turnpike, and rough we found it. Farewell to Mer- 
win's — I lodge no more there ; whisky — hell, as most 
of the taverns here are. Our Thursday s ride brought 
us rapidly to Lehigh. The Germans are decent in 
their behavior in this neighborhood, and would be 
more so were it not for vile whisky. This is the 
prime curse of the United States, and will be, I fear 
much, the ruin of all that is excellent in morals and 
government in them. 

Md.] Asbury Preaches to the " Union Volunteers." 

Thursday, September 1. A rude, rough ride brought 
us to Clark's, twenty-eight miles. There are very 



1 8 12.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 585 

distressing rumors abroad ; my mind is fixed on " Ye 
are of more value than many sparrows." Two inn- 
keepers on our route, Besoon and Tomlinson, declare 
against keeping or selling liquid fire ; this is great. 
We moved on Thursday to the Widow Henthorn's, 
within a mile of the camp-ground. I preached on 
Friday and Saturday. The ministry are instructed 
to be careful to preach to the soldiers wherever 
opportunity offers. The Union Volunteers desired 
a sermon, so I gave a discourse on the ground ; my 
subject was Jer. ii, 13. 

Ten Thousand at Camp-Meeting. 

Tuesday, 8. May I make the best of the remains 
of life. I presume we had ten thousand at the Lib- 
erty camp-meeting, and five thousand at the meeting 
in this neighborhood of Union Town. Forty per- 
sons came forward to enroll their names in society 
with us. 

Ohio.] Six Thousand Miles in Eight Months. 

Saturday y 12. We directed our route toward the 
Indian Short Creek camp-meeting. 

Sunday \ 13. We had a solemn meeting. I preached 
to about three thousand people as I judge. Monday, 
I was called on to preach ; we have had eighty-four 
tents on the ground, four hundred and fifty commu- 
nicants, and forty persons have joined us. I shall 
have traveled six thousand miles in eight months, 
and met in nine conferences, and have been present 
at ten camp-meetings. 



586 Character and Career of [1812. 

Ky.] Asbury in the Eepresentative Chamber. 

On Friday I preached in the representative cham- 
ber in Frankfort. I conversed with some of the 
respectables, and found one who had made one of my 
company twenty-three years ago in a journey through 
the wilderness. 

A " Sickly, Serious Congregation " at Louisville, 

Wednesday \ 21. I preached in Louisville at eleven 
o'clock in our neat brick house, thirty-four by thirty- 
eight feet. I had our sickly, serious congregation. 
This is a growing town, and a handsome place, but 
the falls or ponds make it unhealthy. 

K C] In North Carolina, 

Wednesday, December 2. We went over the mount- 
ain twenty-two miles to Killion's. 

Thursday, 3. Came on through Buncombe to 
Samuel Edney's ; I preached in the evening. We 
have had plenty of rain lately. Friday, I rest. Occu- 
pied in reading and writing. I have great commun- 
ion with God. I preached at Father Mills's. 

S. 0.] " Brandy and the Bible— One was Enough." 

Tuesday, 8. Came to Broad River. We found 
Smith's ford deep, but Fox turned his fearless breast 
up the stream, and brought me swiftly and safely 
through the swell of waters ; he is a noble beast. 
We dined in the woods, and stopped at Esquire 
Leech's ; brandy and the Bible were both handed 
me ; one was enough — I took but one. 



i8i2.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 587 

Conference at Charleston— l What is Coming ? " 
Wednesday, 16. Came to Stephen Swithen's, within 
twenty- three miles of Charleston. It remains intensely 
cold. Thursday, my fingers gave out ; then the axle-tree 
gave a crack, seventeen miles from the city. We loaded 
another, and while I rode in J. B. Glenn's sulky, he and 
Boehm, with the aid of cushions and bearskins, rode 
horseback into the city. Ah ! we feel — we fear the 
locations of this conference will be sixteen in number. 
Saturday, our conference began in good order. 

Sabbath, 20. Preached at Cumberland chapel in the 
morning ; at Bethel in the afternoon. The presiding 
eldership and episcopacy saw eye to eye in the busi- 
ness of the stations. There were no murmurings 
from the employed eighty-four. 

Sabbath, 27. I had an opportunity of meeting the 
society, of both colors, and my exhortations were 
pointed and in season. We have with the increase 
about eighteen thousand. What is coming ? days 
of vengeance, or of Gospel glory ? We have lost by 
locations, and other causes, fourteen of the itinerancy. 

" Camp-Meetings the Great Instrument/' 
Thursday, 31. Came to Georgetown. I am now 
at home here after twenty-nine years of labor. We 
hear of a blessed work in James River district — camp- 
meetings the great instrument. According to Doug- 
lass's account six hundred have joined us. We have 
also a pleasing account in a letter from Joel Winch, 
New London district, Bristol, Rhode Island, of a 
work of God — one hundred have joined, and other 
converts there were who have joined the Baptists and 
Episcopalians ; were these stolen from us ? 



588 Character and Career of [1813. 

Fever and Pain, 

Thursday ', January 21, 18 13. A bitter cold ride of 
thirty miles brought us to Purdee's. I have a high 
fever, and am in great pain. Friday, a heavy ride of 
thirty-six miles brought us to King's. I anticipate a 
night of fever and pain. Saturday, to Wilmington. 
There is little trade here, and fewer people ; of course 
there is less sin. 

Sabbath, 24. I was carried into the church, preached 
and met the society. I preached again in the even- 
ing. A bread poultice has procured me a mitigation 
of pain. Lord, be merciful to me in temporals and 
spirituals! William Capers is married — he twenty- 
three, his wife eighteen. 

N. 0.] Asbury Preaching and Ordaining on His Knees. 

Sabbath, 31. It rained heavily; nevertheless, we 
held meeting at Richland chapel. I rested above an 
hour, on my knees, preaching, and in the ordination 
of Lot Ballard, a deacon, and in prayer. We retired 
from the meeting to G. Rowe's, a son of affliction 
and consolation in God. We are in a palace — peace, 
and rich accommodation. 

Conference at Newbern— Asbury on Crutches. 
Sabbath, February 7. I was two hours preaching, 
meeting the society, baptizing, and ordaining Rasco 
Lipsey. I gained a fever and a clear conscience by 
my labors. Monday, I am in Newbern on crutches. 
Tuesday, reading, receiving the visits of presiding 
elders, and writing letters. 

Wednesday, 10. We opened our conference in Sis- 
ter Tenkard's elegant school-room. We had great 



1813.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 589 

order, great union, and great dispatch of business. 
The increase here in membership this year is seven 
hundred ; but ah ! deaths and locations — then the 
preachers ! 

M&] The English Conference Invites Asbury to Visit His 
Native Land. 

Sabbath, March 7. I changed my subject after get- 
ting into the church, and I spoke long and plainly. 
We have news from the English Conference, It has 
given me an invitation to my native land, engaging 
to pay the expenses of the visit. 

Otterbein— Baltimore Conference. 

Monday, 22. Came to Sewall's. I preached on 
James i, 22-24. A heavy ride brought us to Balti- 
more. I gave an evening to the great Otterbein. I 
found him placid and happy in God. He says the 
commentators are mistaken — that the vials are yet to 
be poured. Tuesday, I had a serious interview with 
the presiding elders. Wednesday, we opened confer- 
ence, and went forward in our business in great 
peace and order. 

Thursday, April 1. Conference rose in great order 
and peace. I stationed eighty-three preachers. This 
conference holds, in their several relations, ninety 
preachers, twenty thousand two hundred and seventy- 
two members white, and seven hundred and ninety- 
nine colored. 
DeL] At Governor Bassett's. 

Wednesday, 21. There was a high wind, and I set 
out, feeble and faint, and reached Wilmington. I 
lodged with Governor Bassett. My peace flows like 



590 Character and Career of \_ l ^Z* 

a river. I suppose we have in sixteen circuits ten 
chapels in each. I preached for the folks in Wil- 
mington. 

Pa,] Small Increase in the Philadelphia Conference. 

Friday ', 23. A heavy ride brought us to Phila- 
delphia. 

Saturday, 24. We opened our annual conference ; 
ninety preachers present ; much order and great 
peace. We continued in conference until Saturday, 
the first of May. We had speakers in plenty, but 
peace and union. There is a falling off in numbers, 
occasioned by locations, the retirement of the super- 
annuated, and other causes, so that the increase of 
effective preachers is but two. 

U. J.] A Question Eespecting Burlington and Trenton. 

Wednesday and Thursday, May 5, 6. Still raining. 
Busy writing letters. The increase in six confer- 
ences is, in members, twenty-one thousand eight 
hundred and thirty-four, in preachers seventy-nine ; 
but of these there are only thirty-three travelers. I 
preached in Burlington on Thursday; many attended, 
although it was damp. Will this place and Trenton 
ever be famous for vital religion ? 

U. TJ A Tavern Turned Into a Church. 

We toiled over the rocky road to Haverstraw, six- 
teen miles, and I delivered my testimony in great 
feebleness of body. We lodged with Peter Noyelle. 
Our host built his house for a tavern, but it was 
turned into a church. At Philipstown we have an 
elegant new chapel ; I preached in it on Monday, 
and felt liberty in the word. 



1813.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 591 

New York Conference at Amenia, 
Wednesday, 19. A cold, uncomfortable ride brought 
us to Amenia. We dined with Brother Ryder, an 
ancient disciple and local preacher. 

Thursday, 20. We opened the New York confer- 
ence in great peace and good order. I ordained 
twelve deacons after sermon. My text was 2 Tim. 
iv, 5. 

Bishop M'Kendree and Joshua Marsden. 

Sunday, 23. Bishop M'Kendree preached. It ap- 
peared to me as if a ray of divine glory rested on 
him. His subject was, " Great peace have they that 
love thy law, and nothing shall offend them." My 
subject was Eph. iv, 1-3. The appearance, manner, 
and preaching of Brother M'Kendree produced a 
very powerful effect on Joshua Marsden, a British 
missionary, who has been present at our conference. 

Conn.] Through Connecticut. 

Friday, 28. We traveled this day ten hours. I 
preached in the evening in a school- house, but had 
not much freedom. Saturday, we made a tedious 
day's ride to the Widow Pease's. On our way we 
called in to see a sick brother, and prayed with him. 

Mass.] Asbury at Pittsfield. 

Sunday, 30. I preached in Pittsfield. Monday, 
preached at M'Farlan's. 

Tuesday, yune 1. We have a fine prospect of the 
Hoosac River and the Green Mountain, bleak as 
January. After dinner at Tinney's (kind souls) we 
descended the precipice, crossing by a slight bridge. 



592 Character and Career of [^is. 

IT. R] Army's Will. 

Wednesday, 2. We reached Winchester, in New 
Hampshire, stopping to dine with the nice .Websters, 
in Greenfield. 

Smiday, 6. I preached in the morning and after- 
noon with little freedom. May we not expect in- 
creasing days of distress ? Methodism in the East 
is as likely to be any thing else as that which it ought 
to be, unless we have great displays of the power of 
God and a strict discipline. Knowing the uncer- 
tainty of the tenure of life, I have made my will, 
appointing Bishop M'Kendree, Daniel Hitt, and 
Henry Boehm my executors. If I do not in the 
mean time spend it, I shall leave, when I die, an 
estate of two thousand dollars, I believe. I give it 
all to the Book Concern. This money, and some- 
what more, I have inherited from dear departed 
Methodist friends in the State of Maryland who died 
childless ; besides some legacies which I have never 
taken. Let it all return, and continue to aid the 
cause of piety. 

E. I.] Asbury at Bristol and Providence, 

Monday, 14. We visited the Reeds, senior and 
junior, and Doctor Winsler and family. I preached 
in Warren in the evening, and lodged with kind 
Smith Bowen. I preached at Bristol at six o'clock. 
We did not trouble the people with ourselves or 
horses. My congregation was large. 

Wednesday, 16. Storm-bound. Writing, planning, 
and reading. Thursday, we came in haste along to 
Providence. We were entertained splendidly. Here 



1813.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 593 

are grand buildings, but no chapel for the Meth- 
odists. We rode on to Lippelt's factories. What a 
population here is ! 

Conn.] Venerable Names in Methodism. 

Monday, 28. A heavy ride brought us to Bene- 
dict's, in Canaan, and thence onward to Brother 
King's, in Egremont. Tuesday, to Father Merwin's 
to lodge. 
"N". YJ Conference at Westmoreland. 

Thursday, July 8. We came to Westmoreland. In 
the last two hundred and seventy miles I have suf- 
fered much from hunger, heat, and sickness. 

Friday, 9. We opened our conference in peace in 
our house of sixty by fifty feet, built by the Inde- 
pendents and bought by the Methodists. We pro- 
gressed two days in much union and sweetness, 
having one day the presence and company of our 
Canadian brethren. 

Tuesday, 13. Our conference adjourned in great 
peace, and all satisfied with their stations. 

Asbury with an Infidel Family. 
Sabbath, 18. Bishop M'Kendree stopped to preach. 
I rode on thirty miles to Brush's. We stopped with 
a poor family on our route, fed, and prayed with 
them, and were blessed indeed. Next day we began 
our trials. It had rained in the night. We set 
out and encountered the logs, stumps, rocks, and 
torrents, which came down upon us from the hills 
above. We put into a house at the Great Bend, and 
stopped to dine. Here I lectured, sung, and prayed 
with the poor infidels in the house. Some stared, 

some smiled, and some wept. The lady asked me to 

38 



594 CJiaracter and Career of [i 8 1 3. 

call again as I passed. Yes, madam, on condition 
you will do two things : read your Bible, and betake 
yourself to prayer. 
Pa.] % The Tomb of Henry Willis. 

Tuesday^ 10. We reached Little York. 

Wednesday. A tiresome ride brought us to our 
home at the Widow Willis's. From the door I saw 
the tomb of dear Henry Willis. Rest, man of God ! 
Thy quiet dust is not called to the labor of riding five 
thousand miles in eight months — to meet ten confer- 
ences in a line of sessions from the District of Maine 
to the completion of the round. Lord, be with us, 
and help us to fulfill the task thou hast given us to 
perform ! 
McL] lather Everhard. 

Friday, 20. We started for Ohio, passing through 
Frederick and Middletown, to Williamsport. Called 
on Father Everhard, and sheltered under his^ shade 
from the excessive heat. The old saint has a son and 
a son-in-law local laborers. We have encouraging 
accounts from the encampment near Winchester, 
Virginia. 
Pa.] Conference at Brownsville. 

Wednesday, 25. At Cumberland I preached in the 
chapel, and ordained J. I. Jacobs, Thomas Lakin, 
and William Shaw, holy men, to the office of elders. 
A day of toil over the desperate mountains brought 
us to Brownsville. We have had our trials and 
afflictions. 

Wednesday, September 1. We opened our confer- 
ence ; about thirty members present. On Saturday 
deacons and elders were ordained. We have had 
preaching four times in the day. 



1813.] BisJiop Asbury Illustrated. 595 

Ky.] Blistering the Head to Draw Methodism Out of the Heart. 
Sabbath, 19. I preached in our enlarged Ebenezer 
church, in Clark county. Once more I see Doctor 
Hinds, from the other side the flood, rejoicing in 
Jesus. He will never again, I presume, put a blister 
on his wife's head to draw Methodism out of her 
heart. This mad prank brought deep conviction, by 
the operation of the Spirit of God, upon his soul. 

Term,] Tennessee Conference. 

We came to the Tennessee Conference. I lodged 
under the hospitable roof of Mother Roscoe. Our 
progress daily was great, and made in great peace 
and order. 

Sabbath, October 3. I preached and ordained about 
twenty deacons. We rose on the sixth instant, find- 
ing very few difficulties objected to the stations. The 
Tennessee Conference were not willing to let the 
bishops go to the Mississippi Conference. 

S. 0.] Asbury Preaches with Great Power. 

Thursday, November 4. Came forward to Conner's, 
Abbeville district. 

Sabbath, 7. I preached in the tabernacle on 2 Cor. 
v, 11. If the people say it was like thunder and 
lightning I shall not be surprised. I spoke in power 
from God, and there was a general and deep feeling 
in the congregation. Thine, O Lord, be all the 
glory ! 
Ga.] In Savannah. 

Sabbath, 21. I preached in the new chapel at 
James Mark's — Elbert's — in folly called Asbury. We 
visited Doctor Bradley, recovering from his affliction : 



$g6 Character and Career of [ l 8iS> 

a miracle of grace. A journey of six days brought 
us to Savannah. We were careful to leave our testi- 
mony and to pray with every family where we stopped. 
Kind Widow Bonnell sent her chaise after me. Our 
chapel cost five thousand dollars. Others would have 
made it cost twice as much perhaps. We are in- 
debted to Myers and Russell for much of this saving. 

S. 0.] A Present of an Old Gig. 

Monday, 22. Rode to Mr. Tiebout's plantation. 
Sweet retreat ! Tuesday, we rode forty-six miles to 
Wainer's. I am again in a chaise. James Russell 
insisted upon giving me an old gig worth forty-five 
dollars. We are safe in Charleston, visiting Black 
Swamp and some families as we came along. 

Sunday, December 12. I preached in Trinity church. 
We have it now in quiet possession. I also officiated 
in Cumberland and Bethel churches. The society is 
not so lively as formerly. In visiting six families I 
found but two that acknowledge God in his word 
and worship ! 

N, 0,] Bishop Coke Sails for the East Indies. 

Friday, January 7, 18 14. I received seven letters ; 
the contents of some of them make me feel serious. 
We learn that Bishop Coke, with seven young preach- 
ers, have sailed for the East Indies. The British 
Society is poor as well as ourselves, it would appear ; 
this is a good sign. In less than one hundred years 
Methodism has spread over three quarters of the 
globe, and it is now about to carry the Gospel of 
salvation into Asia. Amen. 



1 8 1 4. ] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 5 97 

VaJ Conference in Norfolk—" Mighty in Talk." 

Sunday, February 20. I am at Norfolk. I have had 
a serious attack of pleuritic fever, with little intermis- 
sion of pain until the fifteenth day. Our conference 
in Norfolk rose on Tuesday, March 1. We have been 
mighty in talk this session. I dare not speak my 
mind on the state of this place — its Church or its 
ministry. We had a great many sermons preached 
as usual, and we have reason to hope souls were con- 
verted. I ordained deacons, and assisted my breth- 
ren in the ministration of the word. 

A Eetrospect, 

Sunday, 6. I preached in the old chapel, (Rich- 
mond ;) our labor shall not be all in vain. Doctor 
Jennings has removed to Richmond, to be useful, we 
hope, to society and to himself. A journey of suffer- 
ing by bad roads, and exposure to excessive cold, 
brought us to Georgetown, Maryland. In the year 
1774 I first visited Virginia and North Carolina ; in 
the year 1780 I repeated my visit, and since that 
time yearly. In the year 1785 I first visited South 
.Carolina and Georgia, and to these States have since 
paid (except one year) an annual visit until now, 
(18 14.) I suppose I have crossed the Alleghany 
Mountains sixty times. 

Md,] Funeral Discourse on the Death of the Great Otterbein. 

Thursday, 24. Baltimore Conference hath been 
sitting in great order seven days. My strength and 
labor was to sit still. We have stationed eighty-six 
ministers. By request, I discoursed on the character 



5 98 Character and Career of [18 14. 

of the angel of the Church of Philadelphia, in allusion 
to P. W. Otterbein — the holy, the great Otterbein — 
whose funeral discourse it was intended to be. 
Solemnity marked the silent meeting in the German 
church, where were assembled the members of our 
conference and many of the clergy of the city. Forty 
years have I known the retiring modesty of this man 
of God, towering majestic above his fellows in learn- 
ing, wisdom, and grace, yet seeking to be known only 
of God and the people of God. He had been sixty 
years a minister, fifty years a converted one. 



Del.] Joseph Pilmoor. 

Sunday, April 3. I preached in Wilmington. Mon- 
day, we had great consolation in visiting Mary Withy's 
children and grandchildren ; she, though dead, is yet 
spoken of. One of these last is in society. Joseph 
Pilmoor is yet alive, and preaches three times every 
Sabbath. 

Pa.] Philadelphia Conference in the Spirit and Peace of God. 

Tuesday ', 5. This is the eve of conference. 

Sunday, 10. I preached in the Academy chapel 
and at St. George's. Our conference opened and 
progressed four days in great peace and Gospel order. 
The bishops wrote a serious letter to New England, 
remonstrating on the neglect of family worship. 

Thursday, 14. The Philadelphia Conference rose 
in the spirit, power, and peace of God, in \vhich they 
had been sitting seven days. Friday, crossed in a 
steamboat to the Jersey shore. 



1 814.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 599 

N. J.] Great Kindness and Attentions in New Jersey. 

Sunday, 25. I preached at Perm's Neck, at Salem, 
and at Cohanzy Bridge. I preached also at Pitt's Grove. 
I preached at Union chapel, and the Lord gave power 
to his own truth. I preached at Bethel. I rested 
at Bates's, 'greatly spent with labor. We should 
have failed in our march through Jersey, but we have 
received great kindness and attentions, and have had 
great accommodations. I have been ill indeed, but 
medicine, nursing, and kindness, under God, have 
been so far effectual that I have recovered strength 
enough to sit in my little covered wagon, into which 
they lift me. 

Pa.] John "Wesley Bond— A Eich Present. 

I have clambered over the rude mountains, passing 
through York and Chambersburg to Greensburg. 

Tuesday, July 19. I would not be loved to death, 
and so came down from my sick-room and took to the 
road, weak enough. My friends in Philadelphia gave 
me a light little four-wheeled carriage ; but God and 
the Baltimore Conference made me a richer present 
— they gave me John Wesley Bond for a traveling 
companion. Has he his equal on the earth for excel- 
lences of every kind as an aid ? I groan one minute 
with pain, and shout glory the next ! 

A Series of Mishaps. 

Monday, 25. We bent our way down the west side 

of the Ohio to Sewickly ; here we were detained two 

days. John Wesley Bond preached to the people, 

and I added a few feeble words of exhortation. We 



600 Character and Career of [1814. 

having foundered one of our horses, bought a clever 
little mare for sixty dollars. 

Friday, 29. We came to Thomas Fawcett's, fast- 
ing. " Surely you may stay a night," it was observed. 
But no — time presses. Though sick and feeble, we 
started away at three o'clock. It might not be : 
about a hundred yards from the house crack went the 
pole. " It is all for the best," said pious Gilpen when 
his leg was broken, and he lived to prophesy in after 
times and better days, while the execrated Mary, 
who would have burned him at the stake, was molder- 
ing in the dust. 

Sabbath, 31. Brother Bond preached upon a mount 
crowned with sugar-trees. I spoke a few words in 
exhortation. Had we not chained the wheel we 
should have gone souse into Yellow Creek. Tuesday, 
we had crooked work — we splintered the axle-tree, 
and stopped at the Widow Pritchard's. We held 
two meetings — one at noon and again at night. 

Ohio,] A High State of Ohristian Experience. 

Wednesday, August 3. Came to Steubenville. At 
Bezaleel Wells's we have every accommodation that a 
president might wish for, with great kindness and 
polite attentions from all the members of the house. 
I keep my room, and listen to the storms of wind 
and rain abroad. My occupations are, reading Sau- 
rin, the oracles of God, and prayer. My health is 
better, although I still cough. I live in patience, in 
purity, and the perfect love of God. Being disap- 
pointed on the Sabbath, I must of necessity meet 
the people of Steubenville on Monday. I preached, 
and there were those who felt besides the speaker. 



i8i4-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 60 1 

Cincinnati Conferenoe — Bishop M'Eendree Injured. 
Titesday, September 6. We arrived in Cincinnati. 
We progressed in our conference business very well, 
although deprived of the presence of the bishops to 
preside. Bishop M'Kendree had been thrown from 
his horse, and was severely wounded in the hip and 
ribs. John Sale presided with great propriety. 
He also finished the plan of the stations from a 
general draft I furnished him. We closed our labors 
in peace. The news has reached us of the descent 
of the British in Maryland, and the burning of the 
public buildings at Washington. 

Ky.] Poor Bishops— "Sick, Lame, and in Poverty." 

Thursday, 29. We came upon the camp-ground, 
where we are to hold our conference. 

Sabbath, October 2. I ordained about twenty dea- 
cons, and gave a sermon and an exhortation. Our 
encampment cook is Brother Douglass. We are 
two hours in the chapel, four hours at the preaching- 
stand, and then come home. We sit six hours a day 
in conference. Poor bishops — sick, lame, and in 
poverty ! I had wished to visit Mississippi, but the 
injury received by Bishop M'Kendree being" so great 
that it is yet doubtful whether he will so far recover 
as to be present at the South Carolina Conference, 
I must decline going. 

g, 0.] Aslbnry's Traveling Companion Uneqnaled. 

Tuesday, 18. Our ride brought us to Jarratt's, on 
Pigeon River. O my excellent son John Bond ! Is 
there his equal to be found in the United States? 
He drives me along with the utmost care and tender- 



602 Character and Career of [1814. 

ness ; he fills my appointments by preaching for me 
when I am disabled ; he watches over me at night 
after the fatigue of driving all day, and if, when he is 
in bed and asleep, I call, he is awake and up in the 
instant to give me medicine, or to perform any other 
services his sick father may require of him ; and this 
is done so readily, and with so much patience ! 
Ought we not to have a Holston Conference, and 
unite with the circuits west of the Blue Ridge, 
Botetourt, and New River the circuits in North 
Carolina ? 
N. 0.] Old Friends— Beminiscences. 

Tuesday, 25. I preached in the house of Father 
Benjamin Bird ; there was much feeling manifested. 
I had for twenty years past wished to visit the Cove ; 
it is done, and I have seen my old, tried friends, dear 
Richard and Jonah Bird and William Fulwood, who 
sheltered and protected me when, during the war 
of Independence, I was compelled to retire to the 
swamps and thickets for safety. 

Asbury's Little Jersey "Wagon his- Pulpit. 
Sabbath, 30. I passed a restless, feverish night, 
yet as I was expected to preach on the camp-ground, 
I discoursed to a large, simple-hearted congregation. 
I sat in the end of my little Jersey wagon, screened 
by the drawn curtain behind me. It was no common 
time to either speaker or hearers. 

Ga.] Asbury at Conference Work, but Feeble. 

Wednesday, December 21. Our conference began 
and continued until the 27th. There were nearly 
one hundred characters examined and six admitted 
upon trial. Twelve are located. Ten elders have 



1815.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 603 

been ordained and twenty-two deacons. Eighty-two 
preachers have been stationed. None are dead, and 
none have been expelled. I preached at the ordina- 
tions, but with so feeble a voice that many did not 
hear. 
S, 0,] Asbury Expectorates Blood. 

Wednesday, January 1 8, 1 8 1 5 . Crossed the lakes and 
Waccamaw, and got in after eight o'clock to Brother 
Frink's. At William Guse's I saw my kind mothers 
in Israel, Guse and Rogers. I continue to expec- 
torate blood. It is possible that the children of the 
French Protestants, martyrs to the tyranny of Louis 
XIV. and his bloody, priesthood, can never forget 
the God of their fathers ? Noble, holy men, may 
God gather in your children to the latest generations ! 

U. 0. A Gold Time at Newbem 

Sabbath, 29. I preached, and there was a trembling 
from first to last under the word, but it was with cold. 
Ah, people hard and dull ! John Bond preached 
three times. Possibly in my short exhortation to the 
society I talked down the tempers of some of the 
members. Ah, wretched use of liquid fire ! 

Monday, 30. Cold indeed. My feet suffer. We 
made twenty-six miles to a house. No wood at the 
door, and none to cut wood. 

A Temporary Paradise. 
Wednesday y February 1. We came twenty-two 
miles. "I was nearly done. Had we followed our 
first plan, and gone to Norfolk, it would have prob- 
ably cost me my life. It was time to lower our sails 
and drop anchor at Edward Hall's, near Tarborough. 
It is paradise regained for a few days. 



604 Character and Career of [1815. 

VaJ Conference at Lynchburg — Treaty of Peace. 

Friday ', 17. We came into Lynchburg in great 
•(veariness. Sunday, I preached in the new, neat 
brick chapel, forty feet by fifty. Monday and Tues- 
day, we progressed well in our business. Doctor Jen- 
nings preached us a great sermon on " I am the vine, 
ye are the branches/' Friday, we ordained elders, 
and I tried to speak on Phil, ii, 19-22. I failed ; I 
have been almost strangled with an asthmatic cough 
and vomiting of blood. Sunday, I keep the house, 
and busy myself to organize the stations. Thanks to 
the God of peace ! we are confirmed in the belief 
that a treaty has been made between the United 
States and Great Britain. We have ordained twenty 
deacons and eight elders. Is there not a declination 
in gifts as well as members ? We settled at seventy- 
one dollars each man. 

Mi] "A Few Scattering Shot." 

Sunday, March 12. In the chapel I lectured on a 
chapter of Hosea. My mind, perhaps, partakes of 
the weakness of my body. I let fly a few scattering 
shot. I keep up a kind of running fire with my 
small-gun sermonizing. Our ranks are thinned if 
one hundred have died in the Lancaster, Virginia, 
circuit. I beheld the ruins of the capitol and the 
President's house. The navy yard we burned our- 
selves. O war ! war ! 

Asbury at the Baltimore Conference. 
Monday, 13. A cold ride brought us to Elk Ridge, 
and our old friend, Widow Honor Dorsey, gave us 
shelter and a welcome. Titesday, came into Balti- 
more. My kind, inquiring friends are coming in 



1815.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 605 

from morning till night. I am with my old friend, 
Widow Dickins. Saturday, I preached at the Point. 
Our conference began on Monday, and prudence re- 
strained me to one session per day. Perhaps I did 
not speak officially six times during the continuance 
of conference. When it was understood that the 
ancient superintendent did not attend in the after- 
noon, the visits to him were renewed. Stationing 
about eighty-five preachers we found to be no small 
work. 

Curiosity of the People to See Asbury. 

Wednesday, April 5. James Smith went forward 
and preached in the Elk chapel. At one o'clock we 
came up, exhorted, sung, and prayed. We must at- 
tend to our appointments, though we should speak 
but little, for the people wish to see us. We have 
lived and labored so long that we have become a 
spectacle to men. This place, Elkton, has been 
founded about fifty years. It may be visited by the 
Lord in the fourth or fifth generation. 

Del.] Trials and Consolations. 

Thursday, 13. I preached once more at Johnstown. 
The day had been set apart for a general thanks- 
giving for peace, and I remembered it in the pulpit. 
We dined with P. Wells, and rode back to Mil- 
ford. Dust, fever, and too much company, these 
are my trials. Peace, and perfect love, these are my 
consolations. 
Pa.] A New Chapel in Philadelphia. 

Sunday, 23. Instead of filling an appointment, I 
was taken with a chill, followed by high fever. I 
have groaned away the whole week. 



606 Character and Career of \\%\$. 

Sunday, 30. At three o'clock I preached in the 
chapel in Tenth-street. What a noble building ! 

N. J.] Mr. M'Dowell. 

Friday, May 5. We came through bad roads thirty- 
seven miles, to Mr. Baker's tavern — wearied down. 
Our host was very attentive, and we had prayer in 
course. Saturday, called upon Thomas Morrell. Had 
an interview with Mr. M'Dowell, the stationed min- 
ister of the Presbyterian congregation in Elizabeth- 
town. He is modest and pious. O for such men 
in all Protestant Churches ! We drove up to George 
Suckley's, Greenwich. The weather is most distress- 
ing to my feelings. 

N. T.] Asbury Preaches Dr, Coke's Funeral Sermon. 

Sunday, 21. By vote of conference I preached the 
funeral sermon for Doctor Coke — of blessed mind 
and soul — of the third branch of Oxonian Methodists 
— a gentleman, a scholar, and a bishop, to us — and 
as a minister of Christ, in zeal, in labors, and in 
services, the greatest man in the last century. Poor 
wheezing, groaning, coughing Francis visited the 
conference chamber on Tuesday and Thursday. Al- 
though confined to my room, I was not prevented 
from entering deeply into the consideration of the 
plan of the stations. The elders thought I came out 
well. Alas ! what miseries and distresses are here. 
How shall we meet the charge of seventy married 
out of ninety-five preachers — children — sick wives — 
and the claims of conference ? We are deficient in 
dollars and discipline. 



i8i5-] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 607 

Mass.] George Pickering Presides at the Unity Conference. 

Wednesday, June 7. At Unity George Pickering 
presided over conference. Our business progressed 
well. I ordained twelve deacons and twelve elders. 
I must reduce my projected tour of sixteen hundred 
miles to a straight ride of three hundred and eighty 
miles to New York, and thence through Philadelphia 
to Little York and my son Francis Hollingsworth's. 
As I passed through Ashgrove I preached in the 
chapel. Monday, to Pittsfield ; Tuesday, to Troy ; 
Wednesday, to Judge Van Ness's ; Thursday, to Free- 
born Garrettson's. 

Sabbath, II. I preached for them; very feeble. 
Wednesday, we started for Poughkeepsie, lodging in 
a tavern. Thursday, we had a heavy ride over Peeks- 
kill Mountains. 

U. Y.] Asbury's Last Visit to New York City. 

Friday, 16. Came rapidly to New York, forty-two 
miles. 

Sabbath, 18. Attended at Fourth-street (Allen- 
street) chapel; my subject Zeph. i, 12. Time was 
when I could have preached upon this text. 

Tuesday, 20. I spoke a few words at the African 
chapel, both colors being present. We hasted to 
Elizabeth that evening. Wednesday, to Barkelow's ; 
Thursday, to Burlington ; Friday, to Philadelphia. 

Pa.] Asbury's Journal a History of Early Methodism. 

Thursday, 29. How the new bridge stretches its 
pride of length across the wide Susquehanna ! Will 
not the father of eastern waters some day rise in the 
fury of a winter flood, and tear away this slight fetter 



608 Character and Career of \\%\%. 

which the puny art of man has thrown over him ? 
Columbia bridge is surely a noble work. We came 
to son Francis Hollingsworth's, Little York. I sit 
seven hours a day, looking over and hearing read my 
transcribed journal. We have examined and ap- 
proved up to 1807. As a record of the early history 
of Methodism in America, my journal will be of use ; 
and, accompanied by the minutes of the conferences, 
will tell all that will be necessary to know. Friday, 
we came away to Carlisle. 

Ohio.] One More Camp-Meeting Sermon. 

Friday, August n. Came to Zanesville. There is 
a camp-meeting now in operation five miles from 
this town. 

Sabbath, 13. I preached on the camp-ground. My 
subject was 2 Cor. v, 2 : " Knowing the terrors of 
the Lord, we persuade men." 

Politics and Piety do not Mingle Well. 
Wednesday, 23. We left Chillicothe in the rain. 
Some folks are fond of railing out against Methodists, 
taking the worst as a sample ; but bad as they are, I 
would not take the best of the railers without a 
change in sentiment, in heart, and in manners. Ah ! 
let us take heed that party and politics do not drive 
out our piety ; they do not mingle well. Foolish 
people will think they have a right to govern them- 
selves as they please ; aye, and Satan will help them. 
Will this do for us ? is not this republic, this land, 
this people, the Lord's ? We acknowledge no other 
king but the eternal King. And if our great men 
will not rule in righteousness, but forget God and 
Christ, what will be the consequence ? Ruin. 



1815.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated, 609 

Ohio Conference at Lebanon, 

On Tuesday, September 12, we began our journey. 

Thursday, 14. Our Ohio Conference began at Leba- 
non, and all our fears vanished. We have great peace, 
abundance of accommodation, and comfortable sea- 
sons in preaching, noon and night, in the chapel and 
court-house. We hold in Ohio Conference sixty- 
eight preachers, sixty-seven of whom are stationed. 
Ten delegates have been chosen for the coming 
General Conference. 

Asbury in Earnest Talk with Bishop M'Eendree. 

Thursday, 21, we came away to Cincinnati. Bishop 
M'Kendree and myself had a long and earnest talk 
about the affairs of our Church and my future pros- 
pects. I told him my opinion was that the western 
part of the empire would be the glory of America 
for the poor and pious ; that it ought to be marked 
out for five conferences, to wit : Ohio, Kentucky, 
Holston, Mississippi, and Missouri ; in doing which 
as well as I was able, I traced out lines and bound- 
aries. 

M'Eendree and "The Boys on the Wing." 

Wednesday, 27. We came rapidly to Cincinnati. 
Friday, Bishop M'Kendree's fractures are all repaired, 
and bones strong again I suppose, for he has flown 
away like a bird with the boys. We must stay and 
distribute the word of God to the poor, collect a little 
mite money, and then away, preaching in every town 
we pass through. 
Term,] Conference in Tennessee— Asbury Failing. 

Friday, October 20. We opened our conference. 

Saturday, great peace, great order, and a great deal 

of business done. 

39 



6io Character and Career of [ J 8i5. 

Sabbath, 22. I ordained the deacons and preached 
a sermon, in which Doctor Coke was remembered. 
My eyes fail. I will resign the stations to Bishop 
M'Kendree — I will take away my feet. It is my 
fifty-fifth year of ministry, and forty-fifth year of labor 
in America. My mind enjoys great peace and divine 
consolation. My health is better, which may in part 
be because of my being less deeply interested in the 
business of the conferences. Bishop M'Kendree 
called upon me to preach at the ordination of elders. 

Va,] Made Perfect by Labor and Suffering. 

November 19. I die daily — am made perfect by la- 
bor and suffering, and fill up still what is behind. 
There is no time or opportunity to take medicine in 
the day-time, I must do it at night. I am wasting 
away with a constant dysentery and cough. 

S. 0.] Last Entry in Asbury's Journal, 

Saturday, December 2. A melancholy and awful 
scene has been witnessed here. Doctor Ivey Finch, 
about thirty years of age, in driving a violent horse 
out of Columbia in his chair, was dashed between 
the shaft and wheel and his skull fractured. The 
unhappy man was the only son of my dear friend, 
Edward Finch. I preached on the Sabbath, My 
consolations are great I live in God from moment 
to moment. 

Thursday, 7. We met a storm and stopped at Will- 
iam Baker's, Granby. 

The Last Scenes of Asbury's Life. 
Here the journal of Bishop Asbury closes. And 
having followed him through such a laborious and 



1815.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 611 

useful, and very often suffering, life, it is thought the 
reader would be gratified in following him to his 
grave, that he might witness the end and final tri- 
umph of this apostolic minister of the Lord Jesus. 

The following sketch of the closing scene of his 
life is taken chiefly from the minutes of the conferences 
for the year 18 16; the only documents now in our 
possession from which authentic information in refer- 
ence to this subject can be derived. 

It seems that, notwithstanding his extreme debility, 
which could not be witnessed without awakening the 
liveliest sensibilities, he flattered himself with the 
prospect of meeting the ensuing General Conference, 
which was to assemble in Baltimore on the 2d of 
May, 1 8 16. In this expectation he was, however, 
disappointed ; the disease with which he was afflicted, 
terminating in the consumption, made such rapid 
progress as to baffle the power of medicine, and to 
prostrate the remaining strength of a constitution 
already trembling under the repeated strokes of 
disease, and worn down by fatigue and labor. He 
appeared, indeed, more like a walking skeleton than 
like a living man. 

His great mind, however, seemed to rise superior 
to his bodily weakness, and to bid defiance to the 
hasty approaches of dissolution. Hence, impelled on 
by that unquenchable thirst to do good, by which he 
had been actuated for more than fifty years, he con- 
tinued with his faithful traveling companion, John 
W. Bond, in a close carriage, to journey from place 
to place as his exhausting strength would permit, fre- 
quently preaching, until he came to Richmond, Vir- 
ginia, where he preached his last sermon, March 24, 



612 Character and Career of [1816. 

1 8 16, in the old Methodist church. Previous to his 
entering upon this last pulpit exercise, perceiving his 
great weakness of body, some of his friends endeav- 
ored to dissuade him from preaching ; but he resisted 
their dissuasions by saying that he must once more 
deliver his public testimony in that place. Yielding 
their own tenderness for his temporal welfare to his 
desire to proclaim once more the counsel of his God, 
they carried him from his carriage in which he rode 
— for he was unable either to walk or stand — to the 
pulpit, and seated him on a table prepared for that 
purpose. 

Though he had to make frequent pauses in the 
course of his sermon, for the purpose of recovering 
breath, yet he spoke nearly an hour with much feel- 
ing from Rom. ix, 28 : " For he will finish the work, 
and cut it short in righteousness : because a short 
work will the Lord make upon the earth.' , This 
closed his public labors on the earth. The audience 
were much affected. Indeed, how could it well be 
otherwise ? 

After having delivered his testimony he was car- 
ried from the pulpit to his carriage, and rode to his 
lodgings. 

On Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday he journeyed, 
and finally came to the house of his old friend, Mr. 
George Arnold, in Spottsylvania. It was his inten- 
tion to have reached Fredericksburg, about twenty 
miles further ; but the weather being unfavorable, and 
his strength continuing to fail, he was compelled to 
relinquish his design, and accordingly he remained 
under the hospitable roof of his friend, Mr. Arnold. 
Hearing Brother Bond conversing with the family 



1 8 1 6.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 613 

respecting an appointment for meeting, he observed 
that they need not be in haste. A remark so unusual 
with him gave Brother Bond much uneasiness. As 
the evening came on his indisposition greatly in- 
creased, and gave evident intimations that his disso- 
lution could not be far distant. About three o'clock 
next morning he observed that he had passed a night 
of great bodily affliction. 

Perceiving his distress of body, and anxious to re- 
tain him as long as possible on the shores of mortality, 
his friends urged the propriety of sending for a physi- 
cian ; but he gave them to understand it would be 
useless, saying that before the physician could reach 
him his breath would be gone, and the doctor could 
only pronounce him dead ! Being asked if he had 
any thing to communicate, he replied that as he had 
fully expressed his mind in relation to the Church in 
his addresses to the bishop and to the General Con- 
ference, he had nothing more to add. 

About eleven o'clock on Sabbath morning he in- 
quired if it was not time for meeting ; but recollect- 
ing himself, he requested the family to be called 
together. This being done agreeably to his request, 
Brother Bond sung, prayed, and expounded the 
twenty-first chapter of the Apocalypse. During these 
religious exercises he appeared calm and much en- 
gaged in devotion. After this, such was his weak- 
ness, he was unable to swallow a little barley-water 
which was offered to him, and his speech began to 
fail. Observing the distress of Brother Bond, he 
raised his dying hand, at the same time looking joy- 
fully at him. On being asked by Brother Bond if he 
felt the Lord Jesus to be precious, exerting all his 



6 14 Character and Career of [ 1 8 1 6. 

remaining strength, he, in token of complete victory, 
raised both his hands. A few minutes after, as he sat 
on his chair with his head reclined upon the hand of 
Brother Bond, without a struggle, and with great 
composure, he breathed his last on Sabbath, the 2ist 
day of March, in the year of our Lord 1816, and in 
the seventy-first year of his age, after having devoted 
to the work of the ministry about fifty-five years, 
forty-five of which were spent in visiting the cities, 
villages, and wildernesses of North America. Dur- 
ing thirty of these he had filled the highly respon- 
sible office, and conscientiously discharged the 
arduous duties, of general superintendent of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

His immortal spirit having taken its flight to the 
regions of the blessed, his body was committed to the 
earth, being deposited in the family burying-ground 
of Mr. Arnold, in whose house he died. His remains 
were, by order of the General Conference, and at the 
request of the society of Baltimore, taken up and 
brought to that city, and deposited in a vault prepared 
for that purpose under the recess of the pulpit of the 
Methodist church in Eutaw-street. A vast concourse 
of the citizens of Baltimore, with several clergymen 
of other denominations, followed the corpse as it was 
carried from the General Conference room in Light- 
street to the place prepared for its reception in Eutaw- 
street, being preceded by Bishop M'Kendree as the 
officiating minister, and Brother Black, a representa- 
tive from the British to the American Conference, 
and followed by the members of the General Con- 
ference as chief mourners. The corpse was placed 
in Eutaw church, and a funeral oration pronounced 



1816.] Bishop Asbury Illustrated. 615 

by the Rev. William M'Kendree, the only surviving 
bishop, after which the body of this great man of 
God was deposited in the vault, to remain until the 
resurrection of the just and unjust. 

It is needless to make reflections here, or to pass 
encomiums upon his character the preceding journal 
speaks for itself, and loudly proclaims the man deeply 
devoted to God, exerting all his powers of soul and body 
to promote " peace on earth and good will to men ; " 
and who ceased not his labors until compelled by the 
command of Him who first called him into being. 

May that Church which so long enjoyed the 
services of this eminent minister of the sanctuary, 
and for whose prosperity he so diligently and consci- 
entiously toiled and suffered not only cherish a grateful 
remembrance of his Christian and ministerial virtues, 
but be long blessed with a succession of ministers 
who shall make his virtues their exemplar, and trans- 
mit to posterity unsullied those pure doctrines of 
Christ which Francis Asbury so faithfully and so 
successfully proclaimed ! 



THE END. 



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Principles of a System of Philosophy. 

An Essay toward solving some of the more difficult Ques- 
tions in Metaphysics and Religion. By A. Bierbower, 
A.M. 16mo., pp. 240. Price, $1 25. 

This is a small but very remarkable book. It is seldom that we find 
so much compactly put up in such a readable form. The author grap- 
ples with the stupendous problems of sin, evil, foreknowledge, man's 
responsibility, God's authorship, providence, prayer, and it seems to 
us that he should have touched prophecy. The foundation principle 
of the book is necessary laws, a force that cannot be annihilated, and 
contrary to which nothing can be created. For example, God himself 
could not make a triangle with but two sides, nor can he so make a 
triangle but that the three angles would be equal to two right angles. 
He cannot make 2x2=5. He cannot make a free moral agent without 
fcha possibility of his sinning. Certain evils are necessarily incidental 
to doing the best things, or to doing any one of several things that 
might be best. God, therefore, not only does not do every thing, but 
cannot do every thing, and so neither does he know every thing. We 
are exceedingly thankful to our Editor and Agents at New York for a 
work of this kind. It must stir up thought, and give clearer views of 
God's glorious economy. If it be^not entirely satisfactory, it will con- 
tribute something toward solving the most difficult problems of the 
ages. We advise our ministers generally to purchase this work, and 
read it with care from end to end. — Northwestern Advocate. 



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